Abstract: This invention relates to method and system for forming a film. The method including providing a trough containing water defining an air-water interface between air and the water; providing a solution containing a material of interest; and electrospraying the solution onto the air-water interface of water to form a film of the material of interest at the air-water interface. The system includes a trough containing water defining an air-water interface between air and the water; and means for spreading a solution containing a material of interest onto the air-water interface of water by electrospray, to form a film of the material of interest at the air-water interface. The spreading means comprises an electrospraying device.

Abstract: An electrostatic oiling system for use with single blanks in batch systems having an open spray chamber without the need for a negative vacuum chamber. Further, the provided electrostatic oiling system may utilize induction beams and a charge wall that allows for utilization of a smaller vacuum system. Further, the provided electrostatic oiling system may provide variable blank coverage without the need for metered pumps.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments herein are alternating current electrospray systems and processes for manufacturing depositions, such as thin layer depositions. In some embodiments, processes and systems provided herein are suitable for and configured to manufacture uniform depositions, such as having uniform thickness.

Abstract: The electrospray device comprises a sprayer comprising a sprayer body and nozzle, and a partition positioned vertically and coaxially with the sprayer. The sprayer body is provided with a swirl generator for generating a swirling air stream, and a power supply connected between the nozzle and the partition, to apply voltage to the nozzle and the partition. The electrospray device may be part of a fluidized bed apparatus comprising a product container, a lower plenum base, an air distribution plate resided therebetween. When the power supply applies voltage in opposite polarities to the nozzle and the partition, the fluidized bed apparatus is used for coating particles; and when the power supply applies voltage of the same, the fluidized bed apparatus is used for spray-drying a solution. The electrospray device uses an electromagnetic hydrodynamic method to improve the performance of the fluidized bed apparatus and optimize the process of product.

Abstract: A disposable fluid delivery system for an electrostatic applicator. The system includes a nozzle housing comprising an air supply port, a voltage port, and a delivery outlet. A voltage wire has a contact in communication with a delivery tube in fluid communication with the delivery outlet. A syringe includes a barrel portion and a plunger configured to advance fluids from within the barrel portion and through the delivery tube. A cartridge housing can at least partially enclose the nozzle housing, the voltage wire, and the syringe.

Abstract: The coating formation method of the present invention is a method for forming a coating on a surface of a coating formation target. The formation method of the present invention includes an electrostatic spraying step of electrostatically spraying a composition directly onto the coating formation target, thereby forming a coating composed of a deposit containing fibers. The composition contains a component (a), a component (b), and a component (c) below. (a) One or more volatile substances selected from water, alcohols, and ketones. (b) A polymer having coating formability. (c) A liquid agent containing one or more selected from oils and polyols that are in a liquid form at 20° C.

Abstract: A printer is configured to provide a jet of extraction gas that extracts a printing fluid from a printing nozzle in the presence of an electric field that accelerates the extracted printing fluid toward a printing substrate. The printer is also configured to selectively turn the electric field and the jet of extraction gas off and on to enable printing in gas-extraction mode, an e-assisted gas-extraction mode, or an e-jet mode. The jet of gas can be provided by a second nozzle concentric with the printing nozzle. A third nozzle can discharge a focusing gas around the extracted printing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preventing color transfer and sticking of powder-containing cosmetics to clothes or the like. A coating formation method of the present invention includes an electrostatic spraying step of electrostatically spraying a composition directly onto a skin surface onto which powder-containing cosmetics have been applied, thereby forming a coating on the skin. The composition contains a component (a) and a component (b) below. It is preferable that the method further includes a liquid agent applying step of applying a liquid agent containing one or more selected from water and oils that are in liquid form at 20° C. on the skin onto which the powder-containing cosmetics have been applied, wherein the liquid agent applying step is performed subsequent to the electrostatic spraying step. (a) One or more volatile substances selected from water, alcohols, and ketones; and (b) a polymer having a coating formation ability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of calibration of basic parameters of mass spectrometers, and provides a method for on-orbit calibration of basic parameters of a mass spectrometer. Based on the characteristic that a molten silicate mineral can adsorb a gas in an environment, under vacuum conditions, a silicate mineral is heated to obtain the molten silicate mineral. The molten silicate mineral is put in an environment with a standard gas for adsorption, rapid cooling is conducted to obtain a standard sample, and the standard sample is preloaded into a thermal control device of the mass spectrometer. When the mass spectrometer enters a definitive orbit for testing a substance, on-orbit heating is conducted on the standard sample to make the adsorbed standard gas released into the mass spectrometer so as to achieve the calibration of the basic parameters of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A rotary atomiser bell cup comprising a bell portion for spraying media in use and a hub portion via which the bell portion is rotatingly drivable in use, wherein the hub portion is a machined metal portion and the bell portion has been built up on the hub using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of driving an active matrix electrowetting on dielectric device including thin-film-transistors to increase the switching frequency of the propulsion electrodes beyond what is typical for line-by-line active matrix driving. By grouping gate lines and simultaneously driving those gate lines as a gate block, a frame update can be completed much faster and, as a consequence, the overall drive frequency at the propulsion electrodes can be increased substantially. The faster drive frequency improves the performance of electrowetting devices, especially when used with aqueous droplets having a high ionic strength.

Abstract: A light assembly coupled to a spray gun for spraying electrostatically charged coating material is disclosed. The spray gun includes a gun body comprising a barrel, a nozzle assembly extending from the barrel in a longitudinal direction, a voltage multiplier, and an actuator assembly configured to transition the voltage multiplier between an activated state and a deactivated state. The light assembly includes a light and circuitry electrically connected to the light. The circuitry is configured to supply electrical energy inductively obtained by the circuitry to the light when the voltage multiplier is in the activated state. The light assembly can also include a housing, a lens cover releasably attached to the housing, and a control member for changing a characteristic of the light.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for the generation of microparticles containing an immobilized functional component, where the following measures are proposed: spraying a liquid (32) containing a soluble alginate and a functional component consisting of molecules or nanoparticles to generate a stream (60) of droplets, directing the stream (60) of droplets onto a precipitation bath (16) and capturing the droplets therein by application of high voltage (14), precipitating the droplets in the precipitation bath (16) via a precipitation liquid (18) containing an alginate complexing agent, such that the droplets are solidified to form microparticles (10) containing the functional component and extracting the microparticles (10) from the precipitation bath (16).

Abstract: An electron generation means for generating electrons includes a rectifier circuit and a booster circuit. AC power from a power supply is passed through the rectifier circuit in advance and then flown to the booster circuit. The rectifier circuit, according to the plus/minus inversion cycle of the said AC power, blocks current flowing toward a second terminal in a state where a first terminal of the rectifier circuit has a positive potential, and current flows from the second terminal only in the state where the first terminal of the rectifier circuit has a negative potential, and thus current flows only in one direction of the alternating current. The booster circuit boosts the voltage on a primary side, and electrons are generated from one terminal on a secondary side of the booster circuit only in a state where the first terminal of the rectifier circuit has a negative potential.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispersing a dispersed phase in a medium comprise a rotating surface for receiving the medium and an atomizing apparatus positioned at the rotating surface for depositing aerosolized constituents of the dispersed phase into the medium. The medium is made receptive and the dispersed phase is aerosolized. Constituents of the aerosolized dispersed phase are deposited into the receptive medium to form a compound or composite. The medium may be deposited onto a rotating disk, and the dispersed phase may be sprayed onto the disk. A thin film can be generated on the disk to transfer, distribute, and disperse the dispersed phase. Liquid ligaments formed at the edge of the rotating disk further transfer, distribute, and disperse the dispersed phase into the medium. Ligaments may be broken into aerosols or deformed by attenuation/drawing to further promote transfer, distribution, and dispersion. A bulk composite/compound may be collected.

Abstract: A low-frequency ultrasonic atomizing device includes a piezoelectric vibrator, a horn, a secondary atomizing chamber, a gas-liquid valve end cover, a Laval-type valve core, a stepped valve core, and a gas-liquid valve body. The piezoelectric vibrator is glued onto the horn, and the gas-liquid valve end cap is connected to the gas-liquid valve body by a thread, while both the stepped valve core and the Laval-type valve core are installed within a cylindrical cavity of the valve body, an end of the Laval-type valve core being sleeved at an end of the stepped valve core. The horn and the secondary atomizing chamber, the secondary atomizing chamber and the gas-liquid valve end cover are connected by a double-head stud and a nut. The device achieves multi-stage atomization of droplets, which increases the atomization quantity of a spray device, the droplets being small, and also achieves long distance spraying.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system configured to contain and redirect any explosion caused by the combustible gas as a safety precaution. This is accomplished through a cover, a floor plate, and one or a plurality of tanks adapted to retain high pressure combustible gas. The cover and floor plate will create an extremely rigid and temperature-resistant enclosure, while the tanks are positioned inside said enclosure. These components work in conjunction to provide a lightweight and compact system configured to contain an explosion, and alternatively, to redirect the explosion and resultant shrapnel downward and through the floor plate if the explosion cannot be contained.

Abstract: A light assembly coupled to a spray gun for spraying electrostatically charged coating material is disclosed. The spray gun includes a gun body comprising a barrel, a nozzle assembly extending from the barrel in a longitudinal direction, a voltage multiplier, and an actuator assembly configured to transition the voltage multiplier between an activated state and a deactivated state. The light assembly includes a light and circuitry electrically connected to the light. The circuitry is configured to supply electrical energy inductively obtained by the circuitry to the light when the voltage multiplier is in the activated state. The light assembly can also include a housing, a lens cover releasably attached to the housing, and a control member for changing a characteristic of the light.

Abstract: A spray system allows operation of two spray guns from a single two-component spray system. The system includes a fluid block defining a first chemical fluid passageway which connects a first chemical inlet, a first chemical spool valve, and two first chemical outlets, and second chemical fluid passageway which connects a second chemical inlet, a second chemical spool valve and two second chemical outlets.

Abstract: A fluid sprayer includes a pump and an electrostatic module configured to provide an electrostatic charge to spray fluid. The electrostatic module is electrically connected to a conductive component of the fluid sprayer, such as a fluid displacement member, fitting, cylinder, or spray tip, to charge the spray fluid via the conductive component. The fluid is electrostatically charged prior to exiting the fluid sprayer.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer system for dispensing and dispersing a liquid containing a spray compound includes a spray cloud dispersal feature that reduces the time that a residual spray cloud containing droplets including the spray compound remains suspended after spraying. A method of dispersing the residual spray cloud is implemented by a control system that causes a flow control system to deliver a non-active gas or liquid in conjunction with stopping delivery of the liquid containing the spray agent and charged with the same polarity, so that a charged cloud of the non-active gas or liquid, which may be air, displaces the suspended active fluid particles. The non-active gas or liquid may be dispensed for a predetermined time interval as determined by the control system, or the operator may control the time interval during which that the non-active fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: A safety guard for an ammunition cartridge (cartridge) of a conductive energy weapon (CEW) includes a body having a first electrical contact on a first side of the body and a second electrical contact on a second side of the body opposite the first side of the body. The first and second electrical contacts are in electrical communication with each other through the body. The first and second electrical contacts are configured to contact a first electrode of the cartridge and a second electrode of the cartridge, respectively, when the body is placed over the cartridge. The safety guard is configured to prevent the cartridge from firing when a firing input, such as a trigger pull, is received by the CEW from a user. In implementations the body incudes at least one clip having a projection configured to be inserted in a corresponding depression of the cartridge of the CEW.

Abstract: Embodiments for producing un-agglomerated, monodisperse droplets using a liquid sheet are provided. Nozzles with exit slit openings shape a spray liquid into a thin liquid sheet as the spray liquid exits from the slit opening. Stable multi-jet operation is achieved by including notches along the edge of the slit. The notches separate the liquid sheet into multiple jets to provide anchoring and stable multi jet operation. In some embodiments, the liquid sheet electrospray techniques and nozzles described herein provide high mass throughput and versatile multiplexing spray systems while reducing the engineering effort and high manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A light assembly coupled to a spray gun for spraying electrostatically charged coating material is disclosed. The spray gun includes a gun body comprising a barrel, a nozzle assembly extending from the barrel in a longitudinal direction, a voltage multiplier, and an actuator assembly configured to transition the voltage multiplier between an activated state and a deactivated state. The light assembly includes a light and circuitry electrically connected to the light. The circuitry is configured to supply electrical energy inductively obtained by the circuitry to the light when the voltage multiplier is in the activated state. The light assembly can also include a housing, a lens cover releasably attached to the housing, and a control member for changing a characteristic of the light.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a first and a second feeding tube, a first and a second atomizing/refining dose control device, and a reaction chamber. The first and second feeding tubes are arranged in a multi-sleeves manner. The first and second atomizing/refining dose control devices are respectively disposed on terminal ends of the first and second feeding tubes. The reaction chamber accommodates the first and second feeding tubes and the first and second atomizing/refining dose control devices and has a liquid dose mixing wall. The first and second feeding tubes respectively receive a first and a second liquid dose. The first and second atomizing/refining dose control devices respectively atomize or refine the first and second liquid doses and spray the atomized or refined first and second liquid doses on a surface of the liquid dose mixing wall, so as to mix the first and second liquid doses.

Abstract: A coating machine component, e.g., a bell plate for a rotary atomizer, and corresponding production methods are disclosed. An exemplary coating machine component includes a molded base body and a functional element for providing at least one of mechanical stiffening, chemical and/or electrical functionalizing of the coating machine component. The functional element may be made from a material having a greater mass density than the base body. An exemplary functional element may be a coating that is at least partially applied to the base body.

Abstract: A heating system for an inhaler device, such as an e-cigarette or a personal vaporizer, for generating an aerosol and/or a vapor from a substance to be heated includes at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated, especially a liquid solution or a gel, from a supply reservoir by or under capillary action or surface tension forces, and a heater configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through the at least one channel.

Abstract: A process for drying resinous materials, comprising: delivering, by way of a plurality of resin channels, resin fluid comprising polymer and solvent into at least first and second steam channels (101) having within a flow of steam, the first and second steam channels (101) each receiving resin fluid from a plurality of resin channels, the first and second steam channels each (101) being received by a stage 1 manifold (121), the steam and resin being delivered under conditions so as to separate at least some of the solvent from the resin fluid; and collecting at least some of the polymer from the resin fluid.

Abstract: A heating system (3) for an inhaler device (1), such as an e-cigarette or a personal vaporizer, for generating an aerosol and/or a vapor (V) from a substance to be heated, especially a liquid or gel, the heating system (3) including: a first heating zone (5) configured to receive the substance to be heated from a supply reservoir (4), wherein at least one first heating element (14) is provided to pre-heat the substance in the first heating zone (5); and a second heating zone (16) configured to receive the preheated substance from the first heating zone (5), wherein at least one second heating element (19) is provided to heat the substance in the second heating zone (16).

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing device includes: a spray electrode and a reference electrode across which and the spray electrode a voltage is applied, the reference electrode being provided near the spray electrode, the spray electrode and the reference electrode being provided in an opening and an opening, respectively, which are provided on a device surface of the electrostatic atomizing device, and the opening being provided so as to reduce a ratio in which an atomized substance adheres to the device surface.

Abstract: A gas turbine wet compression system using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) atomization is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wet compression system includes: a gas turbine system including an air inlet duct, and a plurality of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzles coupled to a water supply, the plurality of EHD nozzles configured to provide a water-spray for reducing a temperature of inlet air drawn into the air inlet duct. In another embodiment, a wet compression system for a gas turbine system includes: a plurality of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzles, and a water supply in fluid communication with the plurality of EHD nozzles.

Abstract: The system and method for testing a filter containment system. A containment system may include a filter housing with a diverging transition section mounted upstream and a converging transition section mounted downstream. An upstream test section can be arranged upstream of the diverging transition section. During a test of the filter, and aerosol can be dispersed substantially evenly across a cross-sectional area of the upstream test section. The downstream test section can be arranged downstream of the converging transition section. The downstream test section may optionally include a mixer that disturbs the airflow. The downstream test section can also include a sampling array, downstream of the mixer that simultaneously samples the airflow substantially evenly across the cross-sectional area of the downstream test section for the presence of aerosol.

Abstract: A method for providing a metallic coat covering a surface is disclosed, which comprises: (i) applying an electrically conductive two component binder on said surface; (ii) electrostatic spraying a metal powder on the binder applied in step (i); wherein the metal powder comprises metal particles with an average diameter less than 80 micron.

Abstract: A plasma purification module is described. The plasma purification module includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, at least one long electrode and a catchment element. The first electrode plate is configured to be connected to a first electrode of a power supply. The second electrode plate is disposed over a surface of the first electrode plate, and is configured to be connected to a second electrode of the power supply, in which the second electrode plate has a channel. The long electrode is configured to form a discharge area. The long electrode is disposed on the surface of the first electrode plate and passes through the channel. The long electrode has a tip. The catchment element is disposed adjacent to the tip, and is configured to provide the discharge area with mist or water.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer (100) includes a guard electrode (4) between an opening (11) and an opening (12). The guard electrode (4) is different from a spray electrode (1) and a reference electrode (2). A voltage between the spray electrode (1) or the reference electrode (2) and the guard electrode (4) is controlled to have a magnitude within a prescribed range smaller than a magnitude of a voltage between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2).

Abstract: A method of preparing magnetically conductive powders based on principle of liquid flow control in a cavitation line, where in a jet tube are evoked, during the rise of a cavitation cloud and implosion of cavitation bubbles with intensity up to ultrasound frequency 24 kHz, pulse shock waves acting on a surface of a substance whereby are released particles in dimensions in range of micrometer or nanometer units. Particles of the substance from a jet tube are carried away by liquid media into a header where they are captured via a magnetic element. A device includes a cavitation line that is equipped for capture of decavitated particles of the substance by at least one header along which is placed a magnetic element.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray device capable of reducing a leakage current is provided. An electrostatic spray device 100 includes a spray electrode 1 configured to spray a material from an end thereof, a reference electrode 2 for allowing voltage application across the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2, a dielectric 10 on which the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 are provided, and a gap section 11 provided on a surface of the dielectric 10 for providing on the surface of the dielectric 10 a detouring current path between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2.

Abstract: A shower head (40) has a passageway for a flow of pressurized air from a pressurized air supply, via a Venturi (48) having a convergent portion (46), throat (50) and divergent portion (52), to a shower discharge opening (56), and a passageway (58) for a flow of water from a water supply to a water discharge opening (60) in the Venturi. The Venturi is such that, in use, the general direction of the flow of air is turned through a substantial angle in the Venturi. This folding of the Venturi enables a compact configuration of shower head to be provided.

Abstract: An electrical field is generated between an application device and an object to be coated. At least one corona electrode associated with the application device is connected to ground, and at least one counter electrode associated with the object is connected at least at intervals to a positive potential. A system for electrostatically coating objects having an application device coating material, and an electrical field device having a high-voltage source which generates an electrical field between the application device and an object to be coated. The field device comprises at least one corona electrode associated with the application device, and at least one counter electrode associated with the object, wherein, during the operation of the device, the at least one corona electrode is connected to ground, and the at least one counter electrode is connected at least at intervals to a positive potential.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic system including an energy harvester and an adjustable member, wherein the energy harvester includes a charge source including: an injector configured to emit particles into a wind stream and an electrode configured to charge the particles to a first polarity and to generate a first electric field. The adjustable member supports the energy harvester, and is configured to control a distance between electrical ground and at least one component of the energy harvester. A method for controlling the electric field magnitude of an electro-hydrodynamic system including placing an energy harvester comprising a charge source at a distance away from electrical ground, the distance being an equilibrium distance; receiving a first measurement of a parameter indicative of electric field magnitude near the charge source; and in response to the first measurement surpassing a threshold, increasing the distance between the energy harvester and electrical ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for ejecting droplets of a molten metal. In the present invention, the metal is a composition comprising a first metal and a second element, wherein the second element is Si. In jetting operation, the second elements may prevent contaminants present in the composition from precipitating and clogging the orifice. The present invention further relates to the use of such composition.

Abstract: An electrical conduction device is provided having an electrically conductive conduction element and an electrically insulating sheathing surrounding said conduction element at least in regions. An overhang corona shielding in the form of a coating composed of a material having a resistivity that increases towards an end of the sheathing is arranged on the sheathing at an outer side. An overhang corona shielding arrangement and a method for producing an overhang corona shielding are also provided.

Abstract: A spray device includes a nozzle that forms a channel for supplying liquid to at least one opening for spraying the liquid outside the device, and, close to the opening, a first and a second electrode arranged in such a way as to inject electric charges into the liquid. The edge of the opening includes, on one side of the channel, at least one projecting end of the first electrode that projects into the channel and is to be brought into contact with the liquid, and on the other side of the channel, an electrically insulating nozzle body in which the second electrode is embedded adjacently to the first electrode, in such a way that the intensity of the electrostatic field in the or each projecting end is maximized.

Abstract: A substantially planar assembly for depositing material. The assembly comprises plates which, when assembled, define at least one aerosol channel, a sheath gas plenum, and a nozzle. These components are preferably anisotropic, and preferably rectangular. The aerosol channel may be divided further to improve uniformity of aerosol flow.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid. The electrode is captive in a removable cap that is that is detachably secured, e.g., via threaded connection, to the sprayer, so that the cap is removable for servicing, cleaning or replacement of nozzle components such as the liquid tip. The nozzle includes a calibratable stop mechanism for controlling a position of the electrode with respect to the outlet of the liquid tip when the cap is installed. The stop mechanism may be provided by a locking ring around a barrel of the sprayer that stops rotation of the cap.

Abstract: In one arrangement, a vibration system includes a vibratable plate, a support member surrounding the vibratable plate, and a vibration-inducing member surrounding the support member. The vibration-inducing member is configured to radially expand and contract against the support member so as to produce axial vibration of the vibratable plate. In another arrangement, the vibratable plate has an outer circumference; a tubular member is concentrically disposed about the outer circumference of the plate, and an annular vibration-inducing member is concentrically disposed about the outer circumference of the tubular member. The vibration-inducing member is preferably a piezoelectric ring that is radially expandable and contractable against the wall of the tubular member to cause the plate to vibrate in the axial direction.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic wind energy conversion system is presented. The system includes a wind passage allowing wind flow. Further, the system includes a reservoir having an opening in communication with the wind passage and configured to hold a liquid. The system also includes an agitator coupled to the reservoir and configured to convert the liquid into droplets. Additionally, the system includes a charging system disposed substantially opposite the reservoir opening and configured to deposit an electrostatic charge on the droplets and draw the droplets into the wind passage. Moreover, the system includes a charge collector disposed at a distal end of the wind passage and configured to collect the electrostatic charge from the droplets.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to systems and methods for the formation and/or control of fluidic species, and articles produced by such systems and methods. In some cases, the invention involves unique fluid channels, systems, controls, and/or restrictions, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention allows fluidic streams (which can be continuous or discontinuous, i.e., droplets) to be formed and/or combined, at a variety of scales, including microfluidic scales. In one set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be produced from a channel, where a cross-sectional dimension of the fluidic stream is smaller than that of the channel, for example, through the use of structural elements, other fluids, and/or applied external fields, etc. In some cases, a Taylor cone may be produced.

Abstract: A droplet oscillation device includes upper and lower electrodes, a changing mechanism, a sensor and a controller. The lower electrode is configured to support a substrate thereon. The changing mechanism is configured to change a distance between the upper and lower electrodes. The sensor is configured to detect a droplet formed above a surface of the substrate opposite the upper electrode. The controller is configured to vary an applied voltage between the upper and lower electrodes to oscillate the droplet, and to determine whether the droplet is detected by the sensor. The controller is configured to respectively determine whether the droplet is detected under a plurality of conditions for which a frequency of the applied voltage or the distance are different, and to oscillate the droplet at the frequency and the distance of a condition for which the droplet is detected and for which the distance is greatest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a precipitation simulator consisting of a collecting area, onto which the precipitants can fall, and a tube, which extends from the lowest point of the collecting area to a transporting device and from there upwards as far as the nozzle, wherein the precipitant can be transported to the upper end of the tube by the transporting device and emerges there, wherein the nozzle is a hollow-body-like rail with outlet openings and wherein either there is an ionization system, consisting of at least one electrode that protrudes into the stream of air/precipitant mixture and/or supplied air and is connected to an alternating voltage of at least 1 kV, and/or the precipitants are provided at least on their surface with an electrically conducting layer.