Electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner
An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.
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This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/186,471 filed Nov. 5, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,977.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to electro-kinetic conversion of electrical energy into fluid flow of an ionizable dielectric medium, and more specifically to methods and devices for electro-kinetically producing a flow of air from which particulate matter has been substantially removed. Preferably the air flow should contain safe amounts of ozone (O3).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe use of an electric motor to rotate a fan blade to create an air flow has long been known in the art. Unfortunately, such fans produce substantial noise, and can present a hazard to children who may be tempted to poke a finger or a pencil into the moving fan blade. Although such fans can produce substantial air flow, e.g., 1,000 ft3/minute or more, substantial electrical power is required to operate the motor, and essentially no conditioning of the flowing air occurs.
It is known to provide such fans with a HEPA-compliant filter element to remove particulate matter larger than perhaps 0.3 μm. Unfortunately, the resistance to air flow presented by the filter element may require doubling the electric motor size to maintain a desired level of airflow. Further, HEPA-compliant filter elements are expensive, and can represent a substantial portion of the sale price of a HEPA-compliant filter-fan unit. While such filter-fan units can condition the air by removing large particles, particulate matter small enough to pass through the filter element is not removed, including bacteria, for example.
It is also known in the art to produce an air flow using electro-kinetic techniques, by which electrical power is directly converted into a flow of air without mechanically moving components. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee (1988), depicted herein in simplified form as
The high voltage pulses ionize the air between the arrays, and an air flow 50 from the minisectional array toward the maxisectional array results, without requiring any moving parts. Particulate matter 60 in the air is entrained within the airflow 50 and also moves towards the maxisectional electrodes 30. Much of the particulate matter is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the maxisectional electrode array, where it remains, thus conditioning the flow of air exiting system 10. Further, the high voltage field present between the electrode arrays can release ozone into the ambient environment, which appears to destroy or at least alter whatever is entrained in the airflow, including for example, bacteria.
In the embodiment of
In another embodiment shown herein as
While the electrostatic techniques disclosed by Lee are advantageous to conventional electric fan-filter units, Lee's maxisectional electrodes are relatively expensive to fabricate. Further, increased filter efficiency beyond what Lee's embodiments can produce would be advantageous, especially without including a third array of electrodes.
Thus, there is a need for an electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner that provides improved efficiency over Lee-type systems, without requiring expensive production techniques to fabricate the electrodes. Preferably such a conditioner should function efficiently without requiring a third array of electrodes. Further, such a conditioner should permit user-selection of safe amounts of ozone to be generated, for example to remove odor from the ambient environment.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for electro-kinetically transporting and conditioning air.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONThe present invention provides an electro-kinetic system for transporting and conditioning air without moving parts. The air is conditioned in the sense that it is ionized and contains safe amounts of ozone.
Applicants' electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner includes a louvered or grilled body that houses an ionizer unit. The ionizer unit includes a high voltage DC inverter that boosts common 110 VAC to high voltage, and a generator that receives the high voltage DC and outputs high voltage pulses of perhaps 10 KV peak-to-peak, although an essentially 100% duty cycle (e.g., high voltage DC) output could be used instead of pulses. The unit also includes an electrode assembly unit comprising first and second spaced-apart arrays of conducting electrodes, the first array and second array being coupled, respectively, preferably to the positive and negative output ports of the high voltage generator.
The electrode assembly preferably is formed using first and second arrays of readily manufacturable electrode types. In one embodiment, the first array comprises wire-like electrodes and the second array comprises “U”-shaped electrodes having one or two trailing surfaces. In an even more efficient embodiment, the first array includes at least one pin or cone-like electrode and the second array is an annular washer-like electrode. The electrode assembly may comprise various combinations of the described first and second array electrodes. In the various embodiments, the ratio between effective area of the second array electrodes to the first array electrodes is at least about 20:1.
The high voltage pulses create an electric field between the first and second electrode arrays. This field produces an electro-kinetic airflow going from the first array toward the second array, the airflow being rich in preferably a net surplus of negative ions and in ozone. Ambient air including dust particles and other undesired components (germs, perhaps) enter the housing through the grill or louver openings, and ionized clean air (with ozone) exits through openings on the downstream side of the housing.
The dust and other particulate matter attaches electrostatically to the second array (or collector) electrodes, and the output air is substantially clean of such particulate matter. Further, ozone generated by the present invention can kill certain types of germs and the like, and also eliminates odors in the output air. Preferably the transporter operates in periodic bursts, and a control permits the user to temporarily increase the high voltage pulse generator output, e.g., to more rapidly eliminate odors in the environment.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe upper surface of housing 102 includes a user-liftable handle 112 to which is affixed an electrode assembly 220 that comprises a first array 230 of electrodes 232 and a second array 240 of electrodes 242. The first and second arrays of electrodes are coupled in series between the output terminals of ion generating unit 160, as best seen in FIG. 3. The ability to lift handle 112 provides ready access to the electrodes comprising the electrode assembly, for purposes of cleaning and, if necessary, replacement.
The general shape of the invention shown in
As will be described, when unit 100 is energized with S1, high voltage output by ion generator 160 produces ions at the first electrode array, which ions are attracted to the second electrode array. The movement of the ions in an “IN” to “OUT” direction carries with them air molecules, thus electrokinetically producing an outflow of ionized air. The “IN” notion in
As best seen in
As shown in
Output pulses from high voltage generator 170 preferably are at least 10 KV peak-to-peak with an effective DC offset of perhaps half the peak-to-peak voltage, and have a frequency of perhaps 20 KHz. The pulse train output preferably has a duty cycle of perhaps 10%, which will promote battery lifetime. Of course, different peak-peak amplitudes, DC offsets, pulse train waveshapes, duty cycle, and/or repetition frequencies may instead be used. Indeed, a 100% pulse train (e.g., an essentially DC high voltage) may be used, albeit with shorter battery life-time. Thus, generator unit 170 may (but need not) be referred to as a high voltage pulse generator.
Frequency of oscillation is not especially critical but frequency of at least about 20 KHz is preferred as being inaudible to humans. If pets will be in the same room as the present invention, it may be desired to utilize an even higher operating frequency, to prevent pet discomfort and/or howling by the pet.
The output from high voltage pulse generator unit 170 is coupled to an electrode assembly 220 that comprises a first electrode array 230 and a second electrode array 240. Unit 170 functions as a DC:DC high voltage generator, and could be implemented using other circuitry and/or techniques to output high voltage pulses that are input to electrode assembly 220.
In the embodiment of
When voltage or pulses from high voltage pulse generator 170 are coupled across first and second electrode arrays 230 and 240, it is believed that a plasma-like field is created surrounding electrodes 232 in first array 230. This electric field ionizes the ambient air between the first and second electrode arrays and establishes an “OUT” airflow that moves towards the second array. It is understood that the IN flow enters via vent(s) 104, and that the OUT flow exits via vent(s) 106.
It is believed that ozone and ions are generated simultaneously by the first array electrode(s) 232, essentially as a function of the potential from generator 170 coupled to the first array. Ozone generation may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the potential at the first array. Coupling an opposite polarity potential to the second array electrode(s) 242 essentially accelerates the motion of ions generated at the first array, producing the air flow denoted as “OUT” in the figures. As the ions move toward the second array, it is believed that they push or move air molecules toward the second array. The relative velocity of this motion may be increased by decreasing the potential at the second array relative to the potential at the first array.
For example, if +10 KV were applied to the first array electrode(s), and no potential were applied to the second array electrode(s), a cloud of ions (whose net charge is positive) would form adjacent the first electrode array. Further, the relatively high 10 KV potential would generate substantial ozone. By coupling a relatively negative potential to the second array electrode(s), the velocity of the air mass moved by the net emitted ions increases, as momentum of the moving ions is conserved.
On the other hand, if it were desired to maintain the same effective outflow (OUT) velocity but to generate less ozone, the exemplary 10 KV potential could be divided between the electrode arrays. For example, generator 170 could provide +4 KV (or some other fraction) to the first array electrode(s) and −6 KV (or some other fraction) to the second array electrode(s). In this example, it is understood that the +4 KV and the −6 KV are measured relative to ground. Understandably it is desired that the present invention operate to output safe amounts of ozone. Accordingly, the high voltage is preferably fractionalized with about +4 KV applied to the first array electrode(s) and about −6 KV applied to the second array electrodes.
As noted, outflow (OUT) preferably includes safe amounts of O3 that can destroy or at least substantially alter bacteria, germs, and other living (or quasi-living) matter subjected to the outflow. Thus, when switch S1 is closed and B1 has sufficient operating potential, pulses from high voltage pulse generator unit 170 create an outflow (OUT) of ionized air and O3. When S1 is closed, LED will visually signal when ionization is occurring.
Preferably operating parameters of the present invention are set during manufacture and are not user-adjustable. For example, increasing the peak-to-peak output voltage and/or duty cycle in the high voltage pulses generated by unit 170 can increase air flowrate, ion content, and ozone content. In the preferred embodiment, output flowrate is about 200 feet/minute, ion content is about 2,000,000/cc and ozone content is about 40 ppb (over ambient) to perhaps 2,000 ppb (over ambient). Decreasing the R2/R1 ratio below about 20:1 will decrease flow rate, as will decreasing the peak-to-peak voltage and/or duty cycle of the high voltage pulses coupled between the first and second electrode arrays.
In practice, unit 100 is placed in a room and connected to an appropriate source of operating potential, typically 117 VAC. With S1 energized, ionization unit 160 emits ionized air and preferably some ozone (O3) via outlet vents 150. The air flow, coupled with the ions and ozone freshens the air in the room, and the ozone can beneficially destroy or at least diminish the undesired effects of certain odors, bacteria, germs, and the like. The air flow is indeed electro-kinetically produced, in that there are no intentionally moving parts within the present invention. (As noted, some mechanical vibration may occur within the electrodes.) As will be described with respect to
Having described various aspects of the invention in general, preferred embodiments of electrode assembly 220 will now be described. In the various embodiments, electrode assembly 220 will comprise a first array 230 of at least one electrode 232, and will further comprise a second array 240 of preferably at least one electrode 242. Understandably material(s) for electrodes 232 and 242 should conduct electricity, be resilient to corrosive effects from the application of high voltage, yet be strong enough to be cleaned.
In the various electrode assemblies to be described herein, electrode(s) 232 in the first electrode array 230 are preferably fabricated from tungsten. Tungsten is sufficiently robust to withstand cleaning, has a high melting point to retard breakdown due to ionization, and has a rough exterior surface that seems to promote efficient ionization. On the other hand, electrodes 242 preferably will have a highly polished exterior surface to minimize unwanted point-to-point radiation. As such, electrodes 242 preferably are fabricated from stainless steel, brass, among other materials. The polished surface of electrodes 232 also promotes ease of electrode cleaning.
In contrast to the prior art electrodes disclosed by Lee, electrodes 232 and 242 according to the present invention are lightweight, easy to fabricate, and lend themselves to mass production. Further, electrodes 232 and 242 described herein promote more efficient generation of ionized air, and production of safe amounts of ozone, O3.
In the present invention, a high voltage pulse generator 170 is coupled between the first electrode array 230 and the second electrode array 240. The high voltage pulses produce a flow of ionized air that travels in the direction from the first array towards the second array (indicated herein by hollow arrows denoted “OUT”). As such, electrode(s) 232 may be referred to as an emitting electrode, and electrodes 242 may be referred to as collector electrodes. This outflow advantageously contains safe amounts of O3, and exits the present invention from vent(s) 106.
According to the present invention, it is preferred that the positive output terminal or port of the high voltage pulse generator be coupled to electrodes 232, and that the negative output terminal or port be coupled to electrodes 242. It is believed that the net polarity of the emitted ions is positive, e.g., more positive ions than negative ions are emitted. In any event, the preferred electrode assembly electrical coupling minimizes audible hum from electrodes 232 contrasted with reverse polarity (e.g., interchanging the positive and negative output port connections).
However, while generation of positive ions is conductive to a relatively silent air flow, from a health standpoint, it is desired that the output air flow be richer in negative ions, not positive ions. It is noted that in some embodiments, however, one port (preferably the negative port) of the high voltage pulse generator may in fact be the ambient air. Thus, electrodes in the second array need not be connected to the high voltage pulse generator using wire. Nonetheless, there will be an “effective connection” between the second array electrodes and one output port of the high voltage pulse generator, in this instance, via ambient air.
Turning now to the embodiments of
Electrodes 232 are preferably lengths of tungsten wire, whereas electrodes 242 are formed from sheet metal, preferably stainless steel, although brass or other sheet metal could be used. The sheet metal is readily formed to define side regions 244 and bulbous nose region 246 for hollow elongated “U” shaped electrodes 242. While
As best seen in
In
Electrodes 232 in first array 230 are coupled by a conductor 234 to a first (preferably positive) output port of high voltage pulse generator 170, and electrodes 242 in second array 240 are coupled by a conductor 244 to a second (preferably negative) output port of generator 170. It is relatively unimportant where on the various electrodes electrical connection is made to conductors 234 or 244. Thus, by way of example
To facilitate removing the electrode assembly from unit 100 (as shown in FIG. 2B), it is preferred that the lower end of the various electrodes fit against mating portions of wire or other conductors 234 or 244. For example, “cup-like” members can be affixed to wires 234 and 244 into which the free ends of the various electrodes fit when electrode array 220 is inserted completely into housing 102 of unit 100.
The ratio of the effective electric field emanating area of electrode 232 to the nearest effective area of electrodes 242 is at least about 15:1, and preferably is at least 20:1. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 4A and
In this and the other embodiments to be described herein, ionization appears to occur at the smaller electrode(s) 232 in the first electrode array 230, with ozone production occurring as a function of high voltage arcing. For example, increasing the peak-to-peak voltage amplitude and/or duty cycle of the pulses from the high voltage pulse generator 170 can increase ozone content in the output flow of ionized air. If desired, user-control S2 can be used to somewhat vary ozone content by varying (in a safe manner) amplitude and/or duty cycle. Specific circuitry for achieving such control is known in the art and need not be described in detail herein.
Note the inclusion in
Another advantage of including pointed electrodes 243 is that they may be stationarily mounted within the housing of unit 100, and thus are not readily reached by human hands when cleaning the unit. Were it otherwise, the sharp point on electrode(s) 243 could easily cause cuts. The inclusion of one electrode 243 has been found sufficient to provide a sufficient number of output negative ions, but more such electrodes may be included.
In the embodiment of
Note that the embodiments of
In the embodiment of
An especially preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 4I and FIG. 4J. In these figures, the first electrode assembly comprises a single pin-like element 232 disposed coaxially with a second electrode array that comprises a single ring-like electrode 242 having a rounded inner opening 246. However, as indicated by phantom elements 232′, 242′, electrode assembly 220 may comprise a plurality of such pin-like and ring-like elements. Preferably electrode 232 is tungsten, and electrode 242 is stainless steel.
Typical dimensions for the embodiment of FIG. 4I and
One advantage of the ring-pin electrode assembly configuration shown in
Further, the ring-pin configuration advantageously generates more ozone than prior art configurations, or the configurations of
Nonetheless it will be appreciated that applicants' first array pin electrodes may be utilized with the second array electrodes of
In
In
As described, the net output of ions is influenced by placing a bias element (e.g., element 243) near the output stream and preferably near the downstream side of the second array electrodes. If no ion output were desired, such an element could achieve substantial neutralization. It will also be appreciated that the present invention could be adjusted to produce ions without producing ozone, if desired.
Modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. An air conditioner system, comprising:
- an upstanding, elongated housing having a top surface, an inlet and an outlet; and
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a high voltage generator that provides a potential difference between said first electrode and said second electrode;
- wherein said second electrode is removable, through said top surface of said housing, from a resting position within said housing to a location external to the housing, to thereby allow said second electrode to be cleaned; and
- wherein said second electrode is returnable through said top surface of the housing such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within said housing.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said top surface of said housing further includes a user control.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first electrode is located proximate to the inlet, and the second removable electrode is located closer to the outlet than said first electrode.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein a user-liftable handle is attached to said second removable electrode, said use-liftable handle accessible through an opening in said top surface of said housing.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said second removable electrode is elongated along a direction of said elongated housing.
6. An air conditioner system, comprising:
- an upstanding, elongated housing having a top surface, an air inlet vent, and an air outlet vent;
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, for creating an airflow from said inlet vent to said outlet vent, including: a first emitter electrode;
- a second removable collector electrode, elongated along the direction of elongation of said housing, and removable through an opening in the top surface of said housing; and
- a user-liftable handle secured to said second removable collector electrode, said handle accessible through said opening in said top surface of said housing, to assist a user with lifting said second removable collector electrode out of said housing from a resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said second removable electrode is returnable through said opening in said top surface of said housing such that gravity will assist with return of said second removable collector electrode to the resting position within said housing.
7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said second removable collector electrode is hollow.
8. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said second removable collector electrode is “U”-shaped.
9. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said second removable collector electrode is located proximate to said air outlet vent.
10. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a user operable control located on said top surface of said housing.
11. An ion producing system, comprising:
- a housing that is vertically elongated, said housing including at least one vent;
- an emitter electrode within said housing;
- a collector electrode that is vertically elongated when in a resting position within said housing;
- a high voltage generator to provide a potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode when said collector electrode is in the resting position within said housing; and
- a handle secured to said collector electrode, said handle to assist a user with vertically lifting said collector electrode out of said housing;
- wherein said collector electrode is vertically returnable with the assistance of gravity, through an opening in an upper portion of said housing, to the resting position within said housing.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
- an opening in a top of said housing; and
- wherein said handle assists a user with vertically lifting said collector electrode out through said opening in said top of said housing.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the high voltage generator comprises a first terminal at a first potential and a second terminal at a second potential that enable the high voltage generator to provide the potential difference between said emitter electrode and said collector electrode; and wherein a lower end of said collector electrode mates with said second terminal when in the resting position within said housing; and wherein said collector electrode disengages from said second terminal when vertically lifted out of said housing.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein gravity causes said lower end of said collector electrode to mate with said second terminal when said collector electrode is in the resting position within said housing.
15. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, elongated housing having a top surface, an inlet and an outlet; and
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a high voltage generator that provides a potential difference between said first electrode and said second electrode;
- wherein said second electrode is removable, through said top surface of said housing, from a resting position within said housing to a location external to the housing, to thereby allow said second electrode to be cleaned; and
- wherein said second electrode is returnable through said top surface of the housing such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within said housing.
16. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet; and
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a high voltage generator that provides a potential difference between said first electrode and said second electrode;
- wherein said second electrode is vertically removable, through an opening in an upper portion of said housing, from a resting position within said housing to a location external to the housing, to thereby allow said second electrode to be cleaned; and
- wherein said second electrode is vertically returnable through said opening such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within said housing.
17. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing having at least one air vent;
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, including: a first emitter electrode; a second removable collector electrode, elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing, and vertically removable through an opening through a top portion of said housing; and
- a handle secured to said second removable collector electrode, said handle accessible through said opening to assist a user with vertically lifting said second removable collector electrode out of said housing from a resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said second removable electrode is vertically returnable through said opening such that gravity will assist with return of said second removable collector electrode to the resting position within said housing.
18. An ion producing air conditioning system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing having at least one air vent;
- an ion generating unit positioned in said housing, including: an emitter electrode; a removable collector electrode, elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing, and vertically removable through an opening through a top portion of said housing such that a user can vertically lift said removable collector electrode out of said housing from a resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable electrode is vertically returnable through said opening such that gravity will assist with return of said removable collector electrode to the resting position within said housing.
19. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing containing an ion generating unit;
- at least one air vent in said housing;
- the ion generating unit including: an emitter electrode; a removable collector electrode elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing when in a resting position within said housing; and a handle attached to said removable collector electrode such that said handle extends in an upward direction from said collector electrode and isolates said ion generating unit from a user when said removable collector electrode is in the resting position within said housing;
- wherein said handle is adapted to assist a user with vertically lifting said removable collector electrode out of said housing from the resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable collector electrode is vertically returnable into said housing such that gravity will assist with return of said removable collector electrode to the resting position within said housing.
20. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing containing an ion generating unit;
- at least one air vent in said housing;
- the ion generating unit including a removable electrode elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing when in a resting position within said housing; and
- a handle attached to said removable electrode such that said handle extends in an upward direction from said electrode and isolates said ion generating unit from a user when said removable electrode is in the resting position within said housing;
- wherein said handle is adapted to assist a user with vertically lifting said removable electrode out of said housing from the resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable electrode is vertically returnable into said housing such that gravity will assist with return of said removable electrode to the resting position within said housing.
21. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing containing an ion generating unit;
- at least one air vent in said housing;
- the ion generating unit including: an emitter electrode; a removable collector electrode elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing when in a resting position within said housing; and a handle attached to said collector electrode such that said handle extends in an upward direction from said collector electrode and isolates said ion generating unit from a user, when said collector electrode is in the resting position within said housing;
- wherein said handle is adapted to assist a user with vertically lifting said removable collector electrode out of said housing from the resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable collector electrode is vertically returnable into said housing such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within the housing.
22. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing containing an ion generating unit;
- the ion generating unit including a removable electrode elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing when in a resting position within said housing; and
- a handle attached to said removable electrode such that said handle extends in an upward direction from said electrode and isolates said ion generating unit from a user, when said removable electrode is in the resting position within said housing;
- wherein said handle is adapted to assist a user with vertically lifting said removable electrode out of said housing from the resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable electrode is vertically returnable into said housing such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within the housing.
23. An ion producing system, comprising:
- an upstanding, vertically elongated housing containing an ion generating unit;
- a high voltage generator that provides a potential difference in the ion generating unit;
- the ion generating unit including a removable electrode elongated along a direction of elongation of said vertically elongated housing when in a resting position within said housing; and
- a handle fixedly attached to said removable electrode such that said handle extends in an upward direction from said electrode and isolates said ion generating unit from a user, when said removable electrode is in the resting position within said housing;
- wherein said handle is adapted to assist a user with vertically lifting said removable electrode out of said housing from the resting position within said housing; and
- wherein said removable electrode is vertically returnable into said housing such that gravity will assist with return of the second electrode to the resting position within the housing.
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- Defendant Kaz, Inc.'s Answer and Counterclaim to Plaintiff's Consolidated Amended Complaint, Dated: May 5, 2003.
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- Exhibit B: Charts of Preliminary Invalidity Contentions for U.S. Patent No. 6,709,484.
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- Exhibit A: List of Cited Prior Art of Record for Asserted U.S. Patent Nos. 6,176,977; 4,789,801; 6,350,417.
- Exhibit B: Supplemental List of the Following U.S. Patent Cited as Prior Art by Defendants.
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- Defendants Honeywell and Kaz, Inc.'s Final Invalidity Contentions and Attached Exhibits A, B, and C, Dated: Mar. 24, 2004.
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- Exhibit B: Defendants'Charts of Final Invalidity Contentions Relating to the Claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,176,977.
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- Exhibit K: Photograph of Installed Honeywell Electrostatic Precipitor.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jan 21, 2005
Date of Patent: Oct 12, 2010
Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC (New York, NY)
Inventors: Charles E. Taylor (Punta Gorda, FL), Shek Fai Lau (Foster City, CA)
Primary Examiner: Thao T. Tran
Attorney: Arent Fox LLP
Application Number: 11/041,926
International Classification: B01J 19/08 (20060101); B03C 3/45 (20060101);