Abstract: A electrostatic powder feeder includes a body having a cavity. The cavity is shaped and sized to hold a supply of powder particles and is defined by a cavity wall. A diverter is disposed in the cavity and positioned away from the cavity wall so as to create a powder flow space between the diverter and cavity wall. The feeder includes an electrode and a powder landing surface connected to a power supply. The electrode is positioned remotely from the powder landing surface at a distance at which it can act upon powder resting upon the powder landing surface. An aperture through which powder particles may fall is disposed in or proximate to the powder landing surface. An insulator is positioned between the electrode and the powder landing surface. The power supply produces an alternating electric potential that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and powder landing surface that causes powder particles to oscillate and eventually fall through the aperture.

Abstract: A electrostatic powder feeder includes a body having a cavity. The cavity is shaped and sized to hold a supply of powder particles and is defined by a cavity wall. A diverter is disposed in the cavity and positioned away from the cavity wall so as to create a powder flow space between the diverter and cavity wall. The feeder includes an electrode and a powder landing surface connected to a power supply. The electrode is positioned remotely from the powder landing surface at a distance at which it can act upon powder resting upon the powder landing surface. An aperture through which powder particles may fall is disposed in or proximate to the powder landing surface. An insulator is positioned between the electrode and the powder landing surface. The power supply produces an alternating electric potential that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and powder landing surface that causes powder particles to oscillate and eventually fall through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding powder particles includes a hopper holding a supply of powder. A voltage supply is in electrical communication with a first electrode and a second electrode. The hopper is configured to drop powder onto the first electrode. The voltage supply is capable of producing an electric potential between the first electrode and second electrode and causing the powder particles landing on the first electrode to develop a surface charge. The second electrode is positioned remotely from the first electrode such that the electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode causes the powder particles that fall onto the first electrode to move off the first electrode and move toward the second electrode. The powder particles moving toward the second electrode may or may not reach the electrode, but in either case drop away from the second electrode due to the force of gravity.

Abstract: A material sorting system is disclosed. The system has an electrical charge device arranged to produce electrical charging conditions for substantially all particles of a material sample such that an electrical charge at least partially dependent on particle capacitance is imparted to one or more particles, and a particle delivery device operably connected to the electrical charge device and arranged to cause the one or more particles to move along a flowpath. The system also has a deflection device arranged to cause each particle to deviate from the flowpath an amount at least partially dependent on the electrical charge imparted to the particle, and a collection device in fluid communication with the deflection device. The collection device is arranged to collect the one or more particles at one or more locations corresponding to the amount of deviation of the one or more particles from the flowpath. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating a granular synthetic material from a loose mass of various synthetic materials includes: conveying the granular mass along a trajectory having a rubbing surface subjecting the mass falling from the rubbing surface to an electrical field; and collecting at least one of the masses separated by the electrical field. The mass advances in a single layer on the rubbing surface, while maintaining the single layer contact with the rubbing surface, the rubbing surface being subjected to repeated acceleration in opposite directions in the plane of the rubbing surface, or tangential thereto to move the mass on the surface in order to improve the electrostatic charge. The rubbing surface is made of or clad with a material having intermediate triboelectric properties with respect to those of the granular mass, and is clad with a same material as that which it is intended to separate from the mass.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for size-based particle separation and methods for its use, where the microfluidic device comprises: (a) an inlet reservoir, where the inlet reservoir is configured for communication with an inlet electrode, (b) an insulator constriction coupled to the inlet reservoir via a microchannel, where the insulator constriction comprises an insulating material, and (c) a plurality of outlet channels each defining a first end and a second end, where the first end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to the insulator constriction, where the second end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to one of a plurality of outlet reservoirs, and where the plurality of outlet reservoirs are configured for communication with one or more outlet electrodes.

Abstract: A method and a device for electrostatically separating polyvalent granular insulating materials that have good properties, are energy efficient, and easily adapt to ambient atmospheric conditions and to physiochemical properties of the granules to be separated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a charger for use in a system for separating particles from a fluid flow is disclosed. In one embodiment, the charger comprises a body including an inlet for receiving the particles, a chamber in which the particles are received, and an outlet for discharging the particles. A rotor having a generally non-permeable surface is positioned in the chamber and rotated for contacting and charging the particles. In another aspect of the invention, grid electrodes with elongated fingers are proposed for use in a novel separation system. Related methods of charging and separating particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting electrode for a high-tension electrostatic separator. The high tension electrostatic separator having a rotating drum that is connected to ground and an ionizing electrode that generates a corona discharge of charged ions. The lifting electrode comprising a composite of a non-conductive polymer impregnated with conductive particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides deflection plates for use in a flow-type particle sorter that are resistant to wetting. The deflection plates include a gas-porous, conductive plate. A gas, such as air, is passed through the plate from the outer face (away from the particle flow) towards the inner face (towards the particle flow). The flow of gas prevents condensation on the inner face of the defection plate.

Abstract: An on-chip micro-fluidic device (10) fabricated using a semiconductor material. The device has a micro-fluidic channel or chamber (14) defined within the material and one or more monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers (12) operate to form an optical trap in the channel or chamber (14).

Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to reduce dusting in bulk materials, such as coal. The method includes mixing with the bulk material either a fraction of the bulk material having an electrostatic charge opposite that of the remainder of the bulk material or a heterologous charge control agent having an electrostatic charge opposite that of the bulk material. The attractive forces between the opposite electrostatic charges agglomerate dust particles to larger particles that quickly settle to control dusting. Also disclosed are materials produced by the methods described above.

Abstract: A D.C. voltage altering device includes at least one spark induction power conditioner including a first electrode connectable to a high voltage D.C. power source and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and forming a discharging gap therebetween. The second electrode is connectable to a predetermined section of a physical separator and at least one of the electrodes is selectively positionable for altering spatial distance between same. The power conditioner induces a predetermined large amplitude, high frequency current ripple to the second electrode for creating a fluctuating voltage and fluctuating electrostatic field and maintaining continuous current flow through the gap without reversal of polarity. The spark induction power conditioner further includes a dielectric base for housing the electrodes and a plurality of fastening members threadably positionable through the base and engageable with the electrodes so that the discharging gap between the electrodes can be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: A method of collecting gold by flowing water over a gold collecting medium located in a sluice to induce a positive surface charge on the gold collecting medium. Feeding gold laden material into the sluice with the flowing water to induce a negative surface charge on gold particles of the gold laden material and create a slurry. Setting the flow rate of the slurry into the sluice such that the gold particles are attracted to the gold collecting medium. Finally, collecting the gold particles attracted to the gold collecting medium from the gold collecting medium. A gold separation device having a sluice having an input end and an output end; a water input directed into the input end of the sluice; and a gold collecting medium in the sluice. The gold collecting medium being of a material which incurs a positive surface charge when immersed in water.

Abstract: A corona and static electrode assembly is attachable to a frame of an existing electrostatic separator and includes a pair of oppositely spaced end panels and an elongate corona support member disposed inwardly of and supported by the respective end panels. The corona support member is preferably formed from a single piece of rigid material and has a substantially L-shape for directing an electrostatic field intensity towards the outer surface of a rotating drum. A pair of spaced spacers are connected to and laterally extend from the corona support member and an elongate conductive wire extends between the pair of spacers. The wire is preferably supported between the spacers and threaded bolts passing therethrough, respectively, can adjust its tension. A plurality of elongate static electrodes are spaced from the wire and are connected between the pair of end panels.

Abstract: Filter devices and methods for collection of carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, produced in gas phase reactors are provided. The filter devices provide for in situ cleaning of filters to release captured product for collection. Product can be released and removed from the reactor without disrupting continuous synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. The filter devices facilitate increased reactor operation and larger scale production of carbon nanomaterials. The filters are cleaned by application of a motive force and/or a gas flow to the filter. In a specific embodiment filters are cleaned by a reverse flow of gas pulses to the filter provided. The invention also provides reactor systems for gas phase synthesis of carbon nanomaterials that can be operated continuously employing the filter device of this invention. Preferred reactor systems are those which synthesize carbon nanomaterials by combustion.

Abstract: The electrostatic classifier and separator is supported by a housing and includes a corona classifier section for classifying particulate materials according to size. Corona element supplies mobile ions for bombarding particulate materials dropping down a passageway from a reservoir. A splitter and screen may be included in the passageway to direct particulate materials into respective fractions. First separator section receives fine to middle size fractions and second separator section receives middle to coarse size fractions. A support frame having adjustable slots supports a plurality of static electrodes. Corona element for emitting a corona charge is spaced generally in a first quadrant of first separator section. A rotatable brush and an alternating current wiper may be included for removing fine to middle size nonconductive fractions from first separator section.

Abstract: To manipulate microparticles in a fluid that intersects a first channel or several first channels as a stream, one or more microparticles (14) are exposed to electrical field barriers that change their direction from the direction of flow toward the edge of the flow to a lateral hole (17) of the respective first channel. As a result, microparticles can be moved back and forth between streaming fluids. Preferred applications include treatment, separating, sorting or confinement procedures.

Abstract: A particle separator for the separation of particulate mixture having species that exhibit difference in electrical conductivity. The separator has a conductive surface including a separation zone, has feeder means for feeding the species to the separation zone, and has an electrode arrangement for inducing charge in conducting species and lifting them from the conductive surface once charged. Also, the separator has cleaning means and drive means.

Abstract: A feed tray (22) for guiding tribo electrified plastic pieces (2) to a drum electrode (6) is provided with a vibrator (23), thereby making it possible to vibrate the plastic pieces (2) to form a thin uniform layer, and to reliably apply appropriate image force and centrifugal force to the plastic pieces (2) fed to the drum electrode (6); thus, the plastic pieces (2) can be separated according to kind with high precision.

Abstract: The present invention is to fabricate a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium by efficiently fabricating high-purity ultra-fine particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure and depositing the ultra-fine particles onto a substrate in conjunction with the transparent medium. For these purposes, an apparatus for fabricating a quantum dot functional structure is provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic cleaning structure of a hard disk driver is formed by a plurality of concentric conductive regions to which biasing pulse trains are supplied. Each biased conductive region generates an electric field attracting any dielectric particle. The pulse trains supplied to immediately adjacent conductive regions are phase-shifted by a predetermined time and in a direction linked to a desired direction of removal for the electrostatic particles. Voltage pulses sent to each conductive region are delayed with respect to voltage pulses sent to an immediately preceding conductive region in the direction of desired removal, and are advanced with respect the voltage pulses sent to an immediately successive conductive region.

Abstract: A device for electrostatically separating different kinds of crushed plastic pieces and correctly sorting them according to kind. The device has a classifying section (40) for classifying plastic pieces according to size, a frictional charging device (17), a pair of drum type electrostatic separating devices (41), and collecting sections (26) disposed below the electrostatic separating devices. Partition walls (52-55) for partitioning the collecting sections are constructed to be horizontally movable according to the fall positions associated with the polarity and amount of electric charge of each plastic piece (16). Therefore, separation can be correctly effected without changing the voltage from a high voltage power source device (24).

Abstract: In the fine-particle classification apparatus of the present invention, a carrier gas velocity in a take-in section to introduce the aerosol to the fine-particle classification apparatus from the aerosol generation apparatus is increased so as to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section. It is thereby possible to decrease the static pressure in the take-in section than the total pressure in the aerosol generation apparatus. As a result, it is possible to introduce the aerosol inside the fine-particle classification apparatus with a total pressure equal to or higher than that in the aerosol generation apparatus from a fine particle generating area, i.e. aerosol generation apparatus with a pressure equal to or lower than that in the fine-particle classification apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the separation efficiency in a triboelectric separator by adding media against which the components of the mixture will charge. As a result, random charging between the components of the mixture is reduced and controlled, and predictable charging is achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for separating mineral particles according to their dielectric and/or electrophysical properties. In one practical example, rutile particles can be separated from zircon particles. In the method, the mineral particles which are to be separated are passed through a sharply non-homogenous electrical field. Particles with different dielectric and/or electrophysical properties are subjected to different forces which separate them spatially. The spatially separated particles are collected in discrete fractions.

Abstract: A microchip comprises a flow pass in which a solution containing particles can flow, and a deflection mechanism for deflecting a portion of the particles as the particles flow through the flow pass.

Abstract: When plastic pieces of plural different types of resins fed into a hopper are agitated to be triboelectrically charged, the plastic pieces are not imparted with sufficient amounts of charges or proper polarities which are required for separation of the plastic pieces if there are great differences in quantity between the different types of plastic pieces. This makes it impossible to properly separate the plastic pieces. Where the amount of pieces of a particular plastic to be separated is small, pieces of the particular plastic are additionally fed as a triboelectrification agent into a triboelectric charger (3) and agitated with the plastic pieces. Thus, different types of plastic pieces (1) (e.g., PVC and PE) are prevented from being imparted with the same polarity and are imparted with different amounts of charges, so that the separation can assuredly be carried out in an electrostatic separating section (G) for recovery of the particular plastic pieces.

Abstract: A minute droplet forming apparatus comprises a nozzle 1 for storing therewithin a liquid 2 for forming a droplet 3; a substrate 5, disposed so as to face the tip of the nozzle 1, for mounting the droplet 3 dropped from the tip of the nozzle 1; and a pulse power supply 10 for applying a pulse voltage between an electrode 12 arranged in the liquid 2 within the nozzle 1 and the substrate 5. After a liquid column 2a is formed by projecting the liquid from the nozzle tip by applying the pulse voltage between substrate 5 and the electrode 12, a nickel piece 7 disposed within the nozzle 1 is moved to the tip part of the nozzle 1 by an XYZ stage 9 by way of a magnet 8, so as to enhance the fluid resistance in the nozzle tip part, thereby causing a setback force for returning the liquid 2 into the nozzle 1, by which the droplet 3 is isolated from the liquid column 2a.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle separator and methods for separating the particles of a mixture. The apparatus of the invention employs two field elements to create a field in the space between the field elements. The surface contact of the particles of the mixture, inputted into the space between the field elements, triboelectrically charges the particles. Under the influence of the field, the charged particles substantially aggregate on one of two counter-rotating agitators, disposed operably in the space between the field elements, according to their respective polarities. The rotation of the agitators brings the charged particles into a substantially field-free space in the vicinity of the output ports. Some of the charged particles leave the agitators under the influence of external forces to enter one of the output ports based on their charge polarities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process as well as an apparatus for separating broken goods, consisting of broken nibs or beans and their shells and especially the separation of broken cacao beans (nibs) from the cacao shells in an electrostatic manner. In this connection the broken goods are electrostatically charged in fractionated configuration within a charging area between two differently charged electrodes and thereafter the beans and shells are differently deflected on downfalling within a homogeneous electrical field generated by two other electrodes defining the downfall section. The broken beans and shells then separated by means of a mechanical separator into two different product streams, consisting essentially of a stream of broken nibs and a stream of shells, which product streams are then removed.

Abstract: A method and device for the electrostatic separation of chaff from grain. An nonconductive continuous belt moves a mixture of grain and chaff past an ionizing electrode, which imparts an electrical charge to the grain particles and the particles of chaff within the mixture.

Abstract: An improved method for separating electrically conductive components of an ore or mineral sand from electrically non-conductive components of the ore or mineral sand is disclosed which includes processing the ore, adding a polymer, such as an anionic polymer, to the processed ore, drying the polymer and ore, and then feeding the ore and polymer through an electrostatic separator. The addition of the anionic polymer to the processed ore increases the efficiency of the electrostatic separation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of triboelectric separation of organic polymers and salts, specially organic polymers containing sulfur, such as polyarylene sulfides and a halogenide or a carboxylate of alkaline metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium or substituted ammonium wherein: a) the mixture to be separated is electrically charged; b) the charged particles are moved by an electric field, preferably perpendicular to the direction of the field, and c) the particles varyingly deviated in the electric field are separated and captured.

Abstract: A free-fall separator apparatus for mixed particles. The apparatus includes a screw feeder for triboelectrically charging the particles, a feed hopper for releasing the tribocharged particles in a laminar flow path between a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The first electrode structure provides corona charging for the falling particles, and a substantially uniform electrostatic separation field is provided between the electrode structures for separating the falling particles. The electrode structures may each include a plurality of vertically extending string electrodes. Also provided is a method for sorting mixed particles which includes steps of charging the particles through contact electrification, releasing the mixed particles to fall freely in a substantially laminar stream, charging the particles electrically through corona discharge, and separating the particles through an electrostatic separation field.

Abstract: A force field separator which can utilize either electric or magnetic fields to separate materials which are sensitive to those forces. As an electrostatic precipitator it produces higher separation efficiencies with smaller equipment and lower cost. As a magnetic separator it separates paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials with lower strength fields. It employs small sectional area rods which generate high field gradients between adjacent rods which are oriented at an angle to the flow direction inside an elongate housing which contains the fluid stream. The separation forces are a resultant of the force propelling the fluid through the housing and the field forces produced by the field gradients. The resultant force direction is towards multiple openings along the outside length of the housing where a separate plenum flow of separated materials is created.

Abstract: In a belt separator system for separating constituents of a mixture of particles, the belt having a leading deflective surface at an acute angle to the direction of belt travel so as to impart a transverse momentum component to the constituent in a direction toward a longitudinal centerline of the belt separator system.

Abstract: Various forms of micromachined electrostatic microconveyors and useful devices based thereon are described. In one embodiment, a tube shaped conveyor is formed by disposing conductors circumferentially about the exterior surface of the tube. The tube is formed of an insulating material (e.g., silicon dioxide). Driving voltages are applied in staggered phase to selected ones of the conductors to provide a travelling electrostatic wave within the tube. Charged particles (or fluid or gas) can be propelled through the tube electrostatically by "riding" the travelling wave. Various aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus making use of the microconveyor to convey particles, gas ions, etc. Apparatus is described for using gas pressure resulting from the transport of gas ions to do mechanical work (i.e., to operate mechanical actuators.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for further reducing the size of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are defined as having an effective average particle size of less than about 400 nm. The present invention separates the nanoparticles further using electric fields.

Abstract: A fluidized, dry bed, ore concentrator in which a uniform air stream is utilized to fluidize ore particles within a region defined in part by two, moving, riffled surfaces. The particles are statically charged to enhance separation of particles within the fluidized mass. The less massive of the like-charged, fluidized particles are drawn off by a first riffled surface and denoted "tailings". The more massive, and valuable, of the particles are drawn off by the second of the two riffled surfaces and denoted as "fines".

Abstract: A system and method for recovering charge-bearing solid pigment particles from a fluid dispersant in a liquid toner, wherein the system includes a particle-accumulating surface spaced apart from a complementary electrically biased electrode surface to define a channel therebetween. The channel has a mouth in gravity-feed relation to an outlet. Liquid toner is introduced at the mouth to cause flow within the channel. The bias of the electrode, however, sets up an electric field in the channel directing charge-bearing solid pigment particles away from the electrode surface so that only substantially particle-free fluid dispersant reaches the outlet. A slime rich in charge-bearing solid pigment particles collects on the particle-accumulation surface which is moved in a direction opposite of toner flow. At a location remote from the electrode, the solid pigment particles are removed from the particle-accumulating surface and are stored for later remixing with the fluid dispersant to form fresh toner.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides method and apparatus for the separation of diamagnetic and paramagnetic particulate material. The invention utilizes a magnetic roll formed of either alternating permanent magnet and nonmagnetic spacer disc elements or alternating saperdisc elements and disc elements in which magnetism is induced. The dry admixture to be separated into magnetically homogeneous fractions is fed as a plurality of discrete streams onto spaced points on the upper surface of the rotating roll. The feed material undergoes lateral separation on the face of the roll and the materials of different properties part from the surface of the roll at different angular positions, thereby enabling their separate collection. For this purpose a plurality of receptacles are provided in a horizontally spaced relationship to collect the individual streams of diamagnetic material as they leave the surface of the rotating roll.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing short fibers from a mass of ibers. A pair of perforated cylindrical bodies are opposed to each other with a predetermined spacing defined therebetween, and static electricity is applied across the perforated cylindrical bodies. A suction-wise removing device is installed in at least one of the perforated cylindrical bodies. The initial end of a transfer conveyor is located on the surface of one perforated cylindrical body adjacent the opposed region. Short fibers contained in the mass of fibers fed to the opposed region by a feeding device are drawn into the suction-wise removing devices through the through holes in the cylindrical bodies by the action of electrostatic force and suction air currents. The mass of fibers having the short fibers removed therefrom are oriented by electrostatic force and transferred by the conveyor while being maintained in this oriented state.

Abstract: A toner recycling system having separate supply tank of clear liquid dispersant and tanks of color concentrate. The liquid dispersant is continuously circulated from its supply tank by a pump along lines to a toner applictor then back to the supply tank. Color concentrate containing charge bearing solid pigment particles are selectively injected and mixed with the dispersant by means of pumps or valves to form liquid toner whenever developing a latent image is desired. The excess toner is collected and sent to a solids separator, either dedicated to a particular color of toner or common to all toners, where an electrically biased electrode repels the solid pigment particles toward a particle accumulating surface, thereby separating the particles from the dispersant. The dispersant is returned to the supply tank, while the particles which have accumulated on the surface of either a drum or belt as a layer of concentrate is scraped off by a blade and returned to the appropriate tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing undesirable particles from a kinescope panel/mask frame assembly includes a plurality of thumper arms. The arms have a cam follower at one end and a thumper at the other end. Cams on a rotatable shaft engage the cam followers to raise the thumpers above the panel. The cams include inset portions to disengage the cams and cam followers. The cams and cam followers face in opposite directions so that the thumpers alternately impact the panel. During the thumping, charged air is passed across the panel/mask frame assembly to charge the assembly and any particles adhering to the assembly because of static charge. The like charges cause the particles to be repelled from the assembly. The combination of the charged airflushing and thumping disengages particles from the assembly which otherwise could cause blocked apertures or shorted electron guns.

Abstract: A gas containing dispersed particles with differing electrostatic charges is drawn through a gas channel between opposite charged plates before being split into equal gas flows by a flow divider. The equal gas flows leave the apparatus through exits which can be connected to a particle counter.

Abstract: A method for separating solid phase from drilling mud, comprising forming from drilling mud and adhesive layer on a rotary closed curvilinear surface partly placed in the drilling mud, with subsequent feeding of an ionized gas jet along a tangent line to the adhesive layer, the gas jet entraining and removing solid phase particles from the drilling mud. The linear velocity of the adhesive layer in the zone of its contact with the gas jet is controlled by changing the velocity of the gas jet.

Abstract: First and second developing units (66), (67) apply toners of first and second colors respectively to a photoconductive drum (61) carrying a bipolar electrostatic image to form a bicolor toner image. A small amount of the first toner is scraped off the drum (61) in the second developing step and becomes mixed with the second toner in the second developing unit (67). The admixed first toner is separated and removed from the second toner by a separation member in the form of a roller, belt or mesh covered electrode (81) which is charged to a polarity opposite to the first toner and electrostatically attracts the same while repelling the second toner.

Abstract: In the development of nonuniform latent images on an imaging member, wherein xerographic polar or polarizable toner particles are employed, it is desirable to utilize a development system that will bring the polar or polarizable toner into contact with the latent image without triboelectrically charging the particles and permitting use of nonmagnetic particles when the image is electrostatic and without demagnetizing the latent image when it is magnetic. To achieve this aim, a dielectric brush having convergent electrostatic fields is disclosed and claimed.