Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for injecting a fuel using Lorentz forces. In one aspect, a method to inject a fuel includes distributing a fuel between electrodes configured at a port of a chamber, generating an ion current of ionized fuel particles by applying an electric field between the electrodes to ionize at least some of the fuel, and producing a Lorentz force to accelerate the ionized fuel particles into the chamber. In some implementations of the method, the accelerated ionized fuel particles into the chamber initiate a combustion process with oxidant compounds present in the chamber. In some implementations, the method further comprises applying an electric potential on an antenna electrode interfaced at the port to induce a corona discharge into the chamber, in which the corona discharge ignites the ionized fuel particles within the chamber.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an arbitrary active constituent is sprayed stably so as to treat a target space. A method of the present invention, for treating a target space, includes the step of spraying, in the target space, a composition in an effective amount, the composition containing (i) a solvent and (ii) an electrolyte having a pK of not less than ?10 but not more than 7, which pK is a dissociation constant with respect to water, the composition being sprayed as liquid particles in a mist form, which liquid particle have (I) an average particle diameter of not less than 100 nm but not more than 10 ?m and (II) an average charge number of not less than +40 but not more than +40000.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of creating, in a foundry, a preform to the desired shape and size, in transferring this preform from the foundry to a tunnel oven, then preheating it to a temperature of around 500° C., transferring the preheated foundry preform into a die forge with a substantially smaller size and shape, and performing the die punching operation at a pressure of between 600 and 700 MPA, before the transfer of the preheated foundry preform to the forge die, the forge die and the means of positioning the preform, consisting of pins, are put through a powder-spraying operation on the entire inner surface of the forge die which is liable to receive the preheated foundry preform and the pins.

Abstract: A spraying device for producing a spray of particles in a carrier gas at ambient pressure, includes a storage volume for a liquid substance; at least one nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, the nozzle inlet fluidly communicating with the storage volume; a counter electrode; an electric supply coupled between the at least one nozzle and counter electrode for providing a first potential and create a first electric field between the nozzle outlet and the counter electrode. The device further includes at least one discharge electrode coupled to the electric supply for providing a second potential between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, the polarity of the second potential being opposite to the polarity of the first potential. The at least one nozzle and the at least one discharge electrode are arranged adjacent and parallel to each other and facing the counter electrode from a substantially same direction.

Abstract: Electrospraying systems and associated methods are generally described.

Abstract: An electrostatic gun includes an electrostatic nozzle, a toggle switch, an electrostatic discharge module, an electrostatic generator module, and a ground module. The electrostatic generator module is connected to the electrostatic discharge module to generate static. The toggle switch is used to connect the electrostatic nozzle to either the electrostatic discharge module or the ground module.

Abstract: An electrospray apparatus for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses at a constant frequency is provided. The apparatus comprises an emitter (70) having a spray area from which liquid can be sprayed, a means for applying an electric field (78) to liquid in, on or adjacent to the emitter (70). In use, liquid is drawn to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrospray occurs in pulses at a constant frequency whilst the electric field (78) is applied.

Abstract: An electrosprayer for insect and arthropod tagging having a nozzle cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir, a high voltage connector, and at least one nozzle; a spray chamber where each nozzle is directed into the spray chamber; and a high voltage power supply, where the power supply applies voltage through the high voltage connector. Also disclosed is the related method for tagging insects and arthropods.

Abstract: A particle generation apparatus and a particle generation method each employ: (1) a nozzle from which exits a liquid micro-jet stream; and (2) a ground electrode separated from the nozzle, where both the nozzle and the ground plane are DC voltage biased when operating the nozzle. Each of the particle generating apparatus and the particle generating method also employ a pair of AC electrodes interposed between the nozzle and the ground electrode and perpendicular to the liquid micro-jet stream. When a liquid supply is supplied to the nozzle, a DC voltage bias is supplied to the nozzle and the ground electrode, and an AC voltage bias and AC frequency bias is applied to the pair of AC electrodes a liquid particle spray is generated by the apparatus and the method. With additional parametric adjustment, the liquid particle spray may be monodisperse and bifurcated.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a microfluidic substrate having an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample. An emitter assembly includes having a deformable end portion, an inlet near the deformable end portion to receive the sample eluent from the microfluidic substrate, and an electrically conductive outlet portion to emit a spray of the sample eluent. A force-applying unit applies a force to the emitter assembly that urges the deformable end portion into contact with the microfluidic substrate. The deformable end portion is more elastic than the microfluidic substrate so that the contact between the microfluidic substrate and the deformable end portion produces a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outlet aperture of the microfluidic substrate and the inlet of the emitter assembly.

Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.

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.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed comprising a nebuliser 1 and a target 10. The nebuliser 1 is arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream of analyte droplets which are caused to impact upon the target 10 and to ionise analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions.

Abstract: A system for energy extraction from a fluid stream including a wave pump configured to pump a volume of liquid from a liquid source in response to wave motion of the liquid source; a charge source, fluidly connected to the volume of fluid, that emits a charged droplet of the volume of fluid into the fluid stream, the charged droplet having a first polarity; and an electrical isolation mechanism configured to selectively electrically isolate the charge source from the wave pump.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a 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 and a dielectric shroud disposed around at least a portion of the liquid tip to prevent leakage currents from reducing a potential of the electric field between the liquid and the electrode, which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the sprayer. A conductor that couples the electrode to a power supply may pass through a hole extending through the shroud. The shroud may include one or more vents to permit air and liquid to pass through the dielectric shroud to reduce accumulation of liquid.

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 a device for ejecting droplets of an electrically conductive fluid, a vapor suppressing device is provided to suppress vapor of the electrically conductive fluid. The vapor suppressing device includes an electrode, adapted to provide a direct voltage. Further, a method for suppressing vapor of an electrically conductive fluid in a device for ejecting droplets of an electrically conductive fluid is provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device (A) for increasing hydrophilicity of collected matter (15) that has low hydrophilicity and is attached to a surface of a processing subject (1). The device includes an atomization electrode (6), which generates electrostatically charged atomized water droplets to increase the hydrophilicity, a water supply member (8), which supplies water to the atomization electrode (6), and a voltage application member (9), which applies voltage to the water supplied to the atomization electrode (6).

Abstract: According to the present invention, an arbitrary active constituent is sprayed stably so as to treat a target space. A method of the present invention, for treating a target space, includes the step of spraying, in the target space, a composition in an effective amount, the composition containing (i) a solvent and (ii) an electrolyte having a pK of not less than ?10 but not more than 7, which pK is a dissociation constant with respect to water, the composition being sprayed as liquid particles in a mist form, which liquid particle have (I) an average particle diameter of not less than 100 nm but not more than 10 ?m and (II) an average charge number of not less than +40 but not more than +40000.

Abstract: A system for in-process orientation of particles used in direct-write inks for fabricating a component may include a device for polarizing direct-write particles in an aerosol. An outlet may direct the aerosol including the polarized direct-write particles on a substrate to form a component. An apparatus may cause the polarized direct-write particles to be aligned in a selected orientation to form the component with predetermined characteristics when deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A process is provided for dispersing suspended particles in the air comprising: providing a generator apparatus for producing one or more propagating fluid vortex rings transporting ionized particles; directing the generator apparatus in a direction toward suspended particles in the air to be dispersed; generating a fluid vortex ring transporting ionized particles using the generator apparatus such that the fluid vortex ring travels to the suspended particles resulting in at least a portion of the ionized particles engaging and applying a charge to at least a portion of the suspended particles. The charged suspended particles are then attracted to one another or to nearby surfaces.

Abstract: A reduced water mist generator, including: a water supply member that supplies water; a high voltage application member that applies a high voltage; and a discharge electrode that is constituted by a metal element that produces molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules, the discharge electrode being provided with an electrostatic atomizing function that, when a high voltage is applied by the high voltage application member while water is supplied by the water supply member, generates an electric field and thereby electrostatically atomizes the water supplied from the water supply member to produce microparticulated water, and also being provided with a hydrogen molecule generating function that produces the molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules generated when the water is electrostatically atomized, the discharge electrode generating a hydrogen water mist in the form of a reduced water that contains the molecular hydrogen in the microparticulated water

Abstract: An atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray source apparatus. The apparatus has a cooler having a surface with a sharp point. The cooler generates a condensate from ambient atmosphere exposed to the cooler. A ground electrode is electrically and mechanically separated from the cooler. A high voltage power supply switchably provides a high voltage between the sharp point of the cooler and the ground electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The controller controls the operation of the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray ionizer apparatus generates the condensate and generates particulate spray from the condensate in response to command signals issued from the controller. In some embodiments, an analyzer is provided to analyze particles of the spray to determine the chemical composition of the condensate.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-channel electrospray emitter. The emitter includes a plurality of separate or distinct capillaries, each capillary being one channel and terminating in a nozzle, from which the analyte is sprayed. The nozzles may be raised above a face of the electrospray emitter. The multi-channel electrospray emitter may comprise a microstructured fiber. In one embodiment, the microstructured fiber may be a photonic crystal fiber.

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: An impingement plate atomizer apparatus includes an electrostatically charged longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen into an electrostatically charged cryogen fog. A method is also provided for providing an electrostatically charged cryogen fog.

Abstract: A method of creating substantially monodisperse droplets comprising supplying a first fluid (1) and a second immiscible fluid (2) within a set of channels, the second fluid surrounding the first fluid and filling the channels to form a composite jet. The composite jet passes through an entrance channel (4) into a wider cavity (3), where the first fluid breaks into droplets (5), the resulting composite of droplets of the first fluid within the second fluid passing through an exit channel (6). The cross sectional area of the exit channel perpendicular to the flow is smaller than the cross sectional area of the cavity and the passage of a droplet of the first fluid out of the cavity via the exit perturbs the composite flow field within the cavity such that the incoming jet of the first fluid is perturbed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for decontaminating at least a portion of an object. A misting device is configured to discharge a cloud formed from a plurality of cloud droplets. At least some of the cloud droplets include a decontaminating agent. A spraying device is configured to discharge a stream including a plurality of stream droplets into the cloud. At least some of the stream droplets have an electrostatic charge. At least some of the cloud droplets are deposited on the portion of the object to facilitate decontaminating the portion.

Abstract: Use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a charge injector to assist in atomizing fuel for engine applications. A CNT charging unit is positioned in front of a fuel injector. A voltage is applied on a CNT coated mesh to charge the fuel stream when it passes. Then the charged stream goes through a grounded metal cage. The fuel is thereby electrostatically charged causing repulsive forces on surfaces of liquid in the fuel resulting in the liquid splitting into droplets.

Abstract: An electrospray dispensing system for delivering a controllable quantity of charged micro-droplets of a conductive fluid, and which includes an elongate fluid supply cylinder having a first end, a second end, a sidewall (e.g., forming a circular or other polygonal cross-section) between the first and second ends, and an interior hollow that is in fluid communication with a source of conductive fluid. The dispensing system also includes an array of selectively-activated capillary tubes having proximal ends that are in fluid communication with the interior hollow and distal ends extending radially outward through the sidewall, and which are configured so that any conductive fluid flowing outwardly through one or more activated capillary tubes is electrically-charged.

Abstract: Various methods, devices, and systems are described for aerosolizing a liquid. Embodiments may include sealing the liquid within a reservoir. An output waveform signal may be generated. A nebulizer element may be vibrated to aerosolize the liquid. A negative pressure may be produced within the reservoir as the liquid is aerosolized. The output waveform signal may cause the nebulizer element to vibrate. Embodiments may involve determining a phase shift between a current of the output waveform signal and a voltage of the output waveform signal. Also, embodiments may involve adjusting a frequency of the output waveform signal at least partially based on the phase shift. Further, embodiments may involve adjusting the voltage of the output waveform signal at least partially based on the frequency of the output waveform signal.

Abstract: Macroscopic volumes of fluid can be moved across a surface, including windshields, without mechanical assistance. Insulated electrodes, which for windshields and windows are preferably transparent, are embedded in the surface of the windshield. Varying voltages are supplied to the electrodes to generate intense surface fringe electric fields moving in a given direction across the surface. The intense surface fringe electric fields exert strong electrical forces on the polar molecules of the fluid. These forces move the fluid in specific directions dependent on the geometry of the electrode array and the manner in which voltage is applied to each electrode within an array of electrodes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system and method for spray drying a fluid. The system comprises a fluid reservoir (2), a spraying device (3) that comprises at least one outflow opening (4) for projecting droplets of fluid (5) from the reservoir (2) out of the at least one outflow opening (4) and at least one energy source (6) for at least partially drying the droplets. The spraying device (3) is arranged to project the droplets into a determinable droplet trajectory and the at least one energy source (6) is arranged for providing energy focused substantially on the droplet trajectory. It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for reducing the amount of energy required for spray drying.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device in the form of an integrated structure in which a droplet may be transported by a digital microfluidic array and transferred to a microfluidic channel. In one aspect of the invention, a hybrid device comprises a first substrate having a digital microfluidic array capable of transporting a droplet to a transfer location, and a second substrate having a microfluidic channel. The first and second substrates are affixed to form a hybrid device in which an opening in the microfluidic channel is positioned adjacent to the transfer location, so that a droplet transported to the transfer location contacts the channel opening and may enter the channel. The invention also provides methods of performing separations using a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device and methods of assembling a hybrid digital microfluidic device.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting method is disclosed in which air inside a paint feed channel is expelled when a color for painting is changed. An electrically conductive paint is channeled into a discharge channel of a fluid pathway, and the flow rate of the paint is measured. The fluid pathway is provided, via a paint valve, to a color changing valve mechanism, and communicates with a paint cartridge. The changing valve mechanism is provided in a distant position relative to a painting gun. Electrically conductive paint is channeled through a paint feed channel, which extends from the color changing valve mechanism to the painting gun, and air inside the paint feed channel is expelled. The paint feed channel is then filled with the electrically conductive paint according to the value measured for the flow rate.

Abstract: A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot.

Abstract: A coating material supply device is disclosed, such as for a paint facility. An exemplary coating material supply device may include a coating material reservoir and a coating material meter. During application of coating material, the coating material reservoir may be at ground potential and may be located upstream from the coating material meter, which may be at a high-voltage potential. The reservoir may be connected via an insulating path to the coating material meter. The coating material meter may be at ground potential when the coating material reservoir supplies coating material to the coating material meter. Before the coating material meter is returned to a high-voltage potential for continued application of coating material, the insulating path may be emptied to insulate the coating material meter from the coating material reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatically spraying a plural component fast set polymer is disclosed. The system comprises a spray gun and at least two hoses connected to the head of the spray gun. The system also includes a proportioner connected to an end of the at least two hoses and a high voltage generator electrically and pneumatically in communication with the spray gun. The electrostatic spray system will allow for a fast set polymer to be imparted with electrical charge after mixing of a first and second component in a spray head thereof prior to expulsion via a nozzle to a grounded target that is being coated with the electrostatic spray coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for investigating and/or modifying a sample is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a charged particle source, at least one particle optical element forming a charged particle beam of charged particles emitted by said charged particle source. The apparatus further comprises an objective lens which generates a charged particle probe from said charged particle beam. The objective lens defines a particle optical axis. A first electrostatic deflection element is arranged—in a direction of propagation of charged particles emitted by said charged particle source—downstream of the objective lens. The electrostatic deflection element deflecting the charged particle beam in a direction perpendicular to said charged particle optical axis and has a deflection bandwidth of at least 10 MHz.

Abstract: The method is intended for fuel injection systems, for atomizing different fluids. In the method, which involves pumping a jet of fluid through a nozzle orifice while producing an electrical spark discharge in the fluid flow, the inlets of the nozzle passages are arranged along lines that pass between the discharging surfaces of electrodes. The nozzle passages are opened prior to an electrohydraulic discharge and are closed after fuel injection, the process of opening and closing the nozzle passages being controlled. Fuel is pumped at least between the electrodes inside the electrical discharge nozzle, and the pressure of the pumped fuel is kept close to the pressure in the injection volume. The quantity of fuel to be injected is adjusted by varying the distance between the end face of a high-voltage electrode and an earth electrode and/or by changing the discharge energy. In order to provide stable and high fuel characteristics, gases and some other discharge products are removed from the fuel.

Abstract: Cooling water is pressurized and supplied via a pipe to an electrified atomization head installed in an atomization cooling area A, the jetted particles of the cooling water from the electrified atomization head are electrified and atomized. An electrification voltage is applied from a voltage application unit to the electrified atomization head, and the external electric field generated by applying a voltage between a water-side electrode unit and an induction electrode unit is applied to the cooling water in a jetting process so as to electrify the atomization water and facilitate adsorption to people.

Abstract: A reduced water mist generator, including: a water supply member that supplies water; a high voltage application member that applies a high voltage; and a discharge electrode that is constituted by a metal element that produces molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules, the discharge electrode being provided with an electrostatic atomizing function that, when a high voltage is applied by the high voltage application member while water is supplied by the water supply member, generates an electric field and thereby electrostatically atomizes the water supplied from the water supply member to produce microparticulated water, and also being provided with a hydrogen molecule generating function that produces the molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules generated when the water is electrostatically atomized, the discharge electrode generating a hydrogen water mist in the form of a reduced water that contains the molecular hydrogen in the microparticulated water

Abstract: Described is a method of supplying an active ingredient to a location beneath the outer layer of skin or into soft tissue which includes the steps of providing a polymer-containing liquid comprising an active ingredient; subjecting the liquid issuing from an outlet to an electric field to cause the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet that breaks up to provide charged fiber fragments or fibrils containing an active ingredient, the fiber fragments or fibrils being capable of sticking onto the outer layer of skin or soft tissue to supply the active ingredient beneath the outer layer of skin or soft tissue; and contacting skin with the fiber fragments or fibrils.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device (A) for increasing hydrophilicity of collected matter (15) that has low hydrophilicity and is attached to a surface of a processing subject (1). The device includes an atomization electrode (6), which generates electrostatically charged atomized water droplets to increase the hydrophilicity, a water supply member (8), which supplies water to the atomization electrode (6), and a voltage application member (9), which applies voltage to the water supplied to the atomization electrode (6).

Abstract: A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation.

Abstract: A system for fluid transport is provided where a quantity of fluid is held in a reservoir. A droplet generator is employed to generate droplets from the fluid, for example a nozzle-based system or a nozzleless system such as an acoustic ejection system. A generated droplet has a trajectory whereby it arrives at a target. A circuit is used to modify one or more characteristics of the generated droplet in a way which increases the likelihood that the droplet will not splash or bounce when it arrives at the target. The circuit may in different embodiments control the speed of the droplet or the Weber number of the droplet. The circuit may create an electric field in an area of space where the droplet passes. The circuit may charge the droplet by causing it to contact ions.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-channel electrospray emitter. The emitter includes a plurality of separate or distinct capillaries, each capillary being one channel and terminating in a nozzle, from which the analyte is sprayed. The nozzles may be raised above a face of the electrospray emitter. The multi-channel electrospray emitter may comprise a microstructured fibre. In one embodiment, the microstructured fibre may be a photonic crystal fibre.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray system, comprising a hand held device having an inlet and an outlet. The hand held device includes a charging device for producing a high voltage charging field and a spray nozzle having an outlet, the outlet being disposed within the charging field. The system further includes an air movement system disposed within the hand held device, the air movement system configured to produce an airflow around the spray nozzle and through the high voltage charging field to create a directionally controllable electrostatic charged mist existing the hand held device at low velocities.

Abstract: A method of providing a droplet spray, includes supplying a liquid polymer formulation within which substantially inert particulate material is suspended to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electric field that causes the liquid to break up into droplets.