Abstract: A coating material dispensing device includes an orifice for coupling to a reservoir for the coating material. The orifice is surrounded by a surface including at least one wall defining at least one groove. The reservoir includes a complementary surface including at least one wall defining at least one groove. The at least one groove and at least one wall surrounding the orifice respectively receive and are received in the at least one wall and at least one groove of the complementary surface of the reservoir to provide a labyrinth seal between the orifice and an exterior surface of the coating material dispensing device.

Abstract: A catalytic burner wherein a liquid fuel is evaporated prior to catalytic combustion by employing an electrosprayer. The catalytic burner can be made into an electrical generator by the use of a thermal to electrical energy conversion (TEEC) module.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device that electrostatically atomizes condensed water and emits atomized water. The electrostatic atomization device includes a discharge electrode. A water supplier unit includes a cooling unit coupled to the discharge electrode to cool the discharge electrode and a heat radiation unit coupled to the cooling unit to emit heat when the cooling unit performs cooling. The cooling unit cools air and produces condensed water on the discharge electrode. A controller includes electronic components mounted on a circuit board. A casing accommodates the discharge electrode, the water supplier unit, and the controller. First electronic components each of which temperature is increased by a predetermined value or greater are arranged in a heat radiation unit side region of the circuit board.

Abstract: An oxidation and reduction fine particles generator includes an atomization electrode, a water feeder for supplying water to the atomization electrode and a high voltage generator, and also includes a switch device and a controller. The switch device changes an operation mode to an oxidation mode or a reduction mode. The controller generates negatively charged fine water particles including radicals through electrostatic atomization by applying a high voltage to water supplied to the atomization electrode in the oxidation mode. The controller also inactivates and activates the water feeder and the high voltage generator, respectively to generate reduction fine particles from the atomization electrode by dry discharge in the reduction mode.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a material application device includes an expansion chamber for slowing down the velocity of powder fed to the nozzle from a dense phase pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert that forms the expansion chamber and provides air assist function. The nozzle includes an integral deflector, and further includes a passageway for a charging electrode so that the electrical path is routed away from the powder path, while permitting the electrode tip to be centered in the powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes air wash for the electrode. The nozzle outlet orifice has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than the inlet cross-sectional area so that a slow moving dense phase powder cloud is produced by the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to keep the electrospray ionization at a lower temperature than the heated chamber where the desolvation process occurs. The means to cool the electrosprayer is by actively removing heat from the apparatus through heat transfer methods. This apparatus and method can be used with any ionization apparatus at high temperatures preventing the ionization source from reaching a high temperature that may hinter the normal operation.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerator including: a heat-insulating main body; a storage compartment defined in the heat-insulating main body; and a mist spray apparatus that sprays a fine mist into the storage compartment. The fine mist generated by the mist spray apparatus has a nano-size particle diameter and reduces microorganisms adhering to the inside of the storage compartment and to vegetable surfaces, the microorganisms including molds, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to sample ionization, and provides ionization probe assemblies, systems, computer program products, and methods useful for this purpose.

Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device comprises an emitter electrode, an opposed electrode, a water supply means, a high voltage source, and a silencer. The opposed electrode is disposed in an opposed relation to the emitter electrode. The water supply means is configured to supply water to the emitter electrode. The high voltage source is configured to apply voltage between the emitter electrode and the opposed electrode in order to electrostatically atomize the water on the emitter electrode, thereby generating a mist. The silencer includes a sound absorbing duct being formed into tubular shape to have an axial bore. The axial bore is formed at its one axial end with an inlet in communication with the opening, and is formed at the other axial end with an outlet for flowing the mist out through the axial bore. The sound absorbing duct is attached to the opposed electrode such that the inlet is kept in communication with the opening. The sound absorbing duct has an inner circumferential surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying assembly including a housing and a plurality of elongated electrode elements supported within the housing each defining a respective fluid passageway. An electrode header connectable to a high voltage source is supported within the housing in spaced relation to the electrode elements for charging the electrodes to an electrical potential by induction, and in turn, charging liquid directed through the passageways. The electrode header and a resilient valve element supported thereon are movable between retracted and closing positions for controlling the flow of fluid through the electrode passageways for discharge into an electrical field generated by an induction element supported in spaced relation to the discharge ends of the electrode elements.

Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.

Abstract: A spray gun suitable for electrostatic coating, using a coating material whose electric resistance is relatively low. A coating material nozzle is attached to the front middle region of a barrel having a forwardly projecting cylindrical section on the front outer peripheral edge, and an air cap which covers their front surfaces is installed. A pattern air flow channel is formed between the air cap, coating material nozzle outer peripheral surface and the cylindrical section inner peripheral surface, and an annular electrode is attached to the inside of the flow channel. The air cap is centrally provided with an atomization air spout hole, and a coating material delivery port at the front end of the coating material nozzle is inserted therein. A pin electrode is projected forward through the coating material delivery port. Two pairs of projections project forward from two sets of opposed locations for the air cap, each with a pattern air spout hole.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device (1) and method for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses using an emitter (2) having a spray area (29) from which the liquid can be sprayed, a means for injecting charges into the liquid, whereby, in use, the liquid (3) is delivered to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrostatic spraying occurs in one or more pulses whilst the charges are injected. The charges may be injected by a time-varying or constant non-zero electric field so that electrospray occurs above a threshold value.

Abstract: A mist atomizer is arranged in a first cooling duct including an outlet for vegetable compartment and an inlet for vegetable compartment. The mist atomizer is arranged near a gap of a lower basket and an upper basket. A refrigerator capable of efficiently collecting transpired moisture from stored food, sufficiently humidifying the interior of the basket, and having higher freshness maintaining property is provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing an aerosolized liquids that generate an electric field proximate an outlet of a liquid supplier to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to be aerosolized for dispensing, and regulating an electrical characteristic, such as voltage, for generating the electric field based on a detected electrical characteristic, e.g., current drawn, of the electric field and/or based on an environmental sensor, to compensate, for example, for adverse effects of relative humidity in the aerosolization process. Such methods and devices are suitable for use as, for example, an inhaler for dispensing therapeutic liquids to a patient's lungs, spraying paint, crops or other liquids over a surface area.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system may include a high voltage coating applicator, a voltage sensor, and a coating system controller configured to automate a voltage measurement of the high voltage coating applicator by the voltage sensor. In another embodiment, a system may include a non-contact sensor and a controller coupled to the non-contact sensor, wherein the controller is configured to obtain a measurement indicative of voltage at a distance between an electrostatic spray device and the non-contact sensor. In the embodiment, the controller is also configured to adjust voltage, fluid flow, distance, or a combination thereof, of the electrostatic spray device in response to the measurement.

Abstract: An air conditioning system with an electrostatically atomizing function includes an electrostatically atomizing unit and a ventilation duct which flows conditioned air. The electrostatically atomizing unit generates a mist of charged minute water particles. The electrostatically atomizing unit is provided with a discharge port which locates adjacent to an air outlet of the ventilation duct. The mist of the charged minute water particles flows into an airflow which is sent from the ventilation duct. The mist of the charged minute water particles effectively spreads to the space by the air flow without dissipating inside the ventilation duct.

Abstract: An atomiser, painting machine, paint cabin, and method of operating an atomizer are disclosed. The atomizer includes a first paint inlet for a first paint system, and at least one additional second paint inlet for a second paint system. Each of the paint inlets are separated from each other, so that the atomiser may optionally apply one of the two different paint systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray device that maintains a consistent charge-to-mass ratio in order to maintain a consistent target spray quality is disclosed. During steady state conditions, the high voltage power supply adjusts the output voltage level in response to changing environmental and/or operating conditions. During transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down and changing flow rate conditions, the high voltage power supply ensures that the charge-to-mass ratio is maintained. During, start-up, for example, the high voltage power supply charges the high voltage electrode to a predetermined voltage level before the product is delivered to the charging location. During shut-down, the product delivery is stopped before the high voltage power supply shuts off power to the high voltage electrode, and during changes in product flow rate, the voltage level of the high voltage electrode is adjusted to maintain a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which is capable of stably producing nanometer-sized mist droplets while using low withstand voltage circuit components and simplifying a circuit configuration. The electrostatic atomizer of the present invention is designed to stabilize an output voltage of a high-voltage generator by an output stabilizer during an operation of applying a high-voltage generator to a discharge electrode supplied with a liquid to be electrostatically atomized, so as to induce a discharge to electrostatically atomize the liquid. The high-voltage generator includes a self-oscillation type DC/DC converter having a transformer and a switching element, and the output stabilizer is operable to adjust a time period of an ON state of the switching element, based on a voltage induced in the control winding during the ON state of the switching element.

Abstract: An integrated thermodynamic system for enhancing the energy efficiency and operating lifetime by reducing wear of moving parts is provided. The system provides automated means to attract or repel electrically conductive or magnetic lubricants in a dynamic manner. The system, when utilizing advanced lubricants including ionic liquids, poly(ionic) liquids, electrorheological fluids, or expanded fluid; and a control system implementing dynamic algorithms, preferably meets the complex demands of thermodynamic systems, particularly high speed rotating equipment, for obtaining high efficiency that requires low friction and long lifetimes that requires superior wear resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a precision spraying device having an improved atomizing end for reproducibly forming droplets from small amounts of liquid with improved operational stability and spray pattern quality as well as a method of manufacturing. The invention further provides a method for reproducibly coating substrates using the spraying device of the present invention.

Abstract: An electrostatic paint spraying device (10) comprising a paint canister (16) fluidly connected to a nozzle of the paint spraying device, in which the nozzle comprises a spray head (50) having a plurality of channels from which paint is propelled.

Abstract: A hair dryer having a static atomizing device, which has the capability of generating an electrostatically charged microparticle mist of 3 nm to 100 nm. The static atomizing device has a pair of an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode, a tank for storing a liquid such as water; a liquid transport member for transport water from the tank to the atomizing electrode according to capillary phenomenon, and a voltage applying unit. When a high voltage is applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, while water being supplied to the atomizing electrode through the liquid transport member, the electrostatically charged microparticle mist is generated.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet dispensing device having a nonconductive capillary nozzle. The droplet dispensing device comprises: a nonconductive capillary nozzle disposed in a downward position; a pump connected with the nonconductive capillary nozzle through a hermetically sealed fluid tube and generating a negative pressure to decrease the influence of gravity on a solution within the nonconductive capillary nozzle and the fluid tube; and an open circuit voltage supplier applying a voltage to the solution. The droplet dispensing device supplies the solution by capillary force to regularly maintain the shape of a droplet surface in the tip of the nonconductive capillary nozzle without using a separate driving device.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device (10) includes a container (15) for storing a liquid containing an ingredient valuable for a human body, a nozzle (20) communicating with the inside of the container (15), and an electric field generation section (31) to which a voltage is applied, thereby generating an electric field at a tip portion of the nozzle (20). The electrostatic spraying device (10) sprays the liquid from a tip of the nozzle (20) by generating the electric field at the tip portion of the nozzle (20) by using the electric field generation section (31). The electrostatic spraying device (10) is configured such that the direction of the nozzle (20) is changeable.

Abstract: A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a liquid includes a chamber holding a supply of liquid, an annular conduit substantially filled with liquid from the chamber, and a thermoelectric transducer near one end of the annular conduit. Upon application of electrical current to the thermoelectric transducer, the transducer operates to cause boiling of a quantity of liquid in the annular conduit. Expansion of a resulting bubble forces liquid out the end of the annular conduit. The dispenser may include battery powered electronic control circuit that includes a supercapacitor. The liquid may be dispensed in periodic bursts. In one application, the dispenser is especially suited to automatically and unobtrusively dispense a fragrance, perfume, or other personal care liquid worn by a person. In some applications, the dispenser may be worn on or under an article of clothing, or attached to an article of jewelry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (with reference to FIG. 1) an electrostatic fluid atomiser which has a fluid inlet (2) and a fluid channel (3) leading fluid to a wall (6) in which orifices (100) are formed. Fluid passing out of the orifices (100) is atomised into droplets which fall into a first set of larger droplets (12) and a second set of smaller droplets (13). Two charging electrodes (4,6) charge fluid passing through the channel (3). A droplet separator (200) has a separator electrode (16) which applies an electrical force on the droplets and deflects the smaller droplets (13) to he collected by a droplet collector (15) while the larger droplets (12) continue undeflected out of a droplet (201) of the atomiser.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which comprises a cooler adapted to cool an atomizing electrode so as to allow moisture in air to be frozen onto the atomizing electrode, a melter adapted to melt ice frozen on the atomizing electrode so as to supply water onto the atomizing electrode, a high-voltage applying section adapted to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode, and a control section adapted to activate the high-voltage applying section in a state after supplying water onto the atomizing electrode by melting the ice frozen thereon, so as to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomize the water supplied on the atomizing electrode.

Abstract: An atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head, mounted in a front side of a housing member, while a high voltage generator applying a high voltage to paint through the air motor is mounted in a rear side of the housing member. A cover member is fitted on the housing member to cover an outer surface of the housing member. Opposite axial ends of the cover member are fitted on and attached to opposite axial ends of the housing member so as to leave an annular gap space between the cover member and the housing member. The annular gap space keeps almost entire radially confront areas of the cover member and the housing member, preventing high voltage electrostatic charges on the outer surfaces of the cover member from leaking through the housing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which comprises a high-voltage applying section adapted to apply a high voltage between an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode so as to electrostatically atomize water supplied onto the atomizing electrode, wherein the high-voltage applying section is operable to set an absolute value of a voltage to be applied to the atomizing electrode smaller than an absolute value of a voltage to be applied to the counter electrode. This allows a physical object, such as an article stored in a mist-receiving space or an inner wall of a structural member defining the mist-receiving space to become less likely to be electrostatically charged, and makes it possible to avoid causing a problem about discomfort due to discharge of static charges when a user touches the physical object.

Abstract: The refrigerator includes a vegetable compartment (107) thermally insulated by a rear partition (111), and a mist generation department (139) for atomizing a mist into the vegetable compartment (107), and the mist generation department (139) includes a atomizing electrode (135) for atomizing the mist into the vegetable compartment (107), a voltage applicator (133) for applying a voltage to the atomizing electrode (135), and a cooling pin (134) coupled to the atomizing electrode (135), in which the atomizing electrode (135) is cooled to a temperature lower than the dew point by a outlet air-duct for freezer compartment (141), and the moisture in the air is cooled to condense dew on the atomizing electrode (135), and is atomized as a mist into the vegetable compartment (107), and dew can be condensed from moisture onto the atomizing electrode (135) stably and in a simple configuration, and the freshness of the food is enhanced while the reliability of the refrigerator is enhanced.

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: This invention relates to a humidification system for delivering atomized water to an object. In a humidification system of the invention for delivering humidified air to an object, the object is efficiently humidified. A humidification system (1) of the invention is provided with an electrostatic spraying device (2) for discharging water in an electrically charged and atomized state. When electrically charged water droplets discharged from the electrostatic spraying device (2) approach a person (P), these water droplets are attracted to the person (P) by electric image force. In this way, the water in atomized form is efficiently absorbed by or adhered to the object (P).

Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing unit for use in a temperature regulating appliance to add a function of generating a mist of charged minute water particles for deodorization and/or sterilization of a temperature-regulated space. The appliance has a cold space of which air is cooled by cooling means and is fed to cool the temperature-regulated space divided from the cold space by a partition. The atomizing unit has an emitter electrode which is configured to condense water from within a surrounding air. A high voltage source applies a high voltage to the emitter electrode to atomize the condensed water into the charged minute water particles which are discharged from the emitter electrode into the temperature-regulated space. The emitter electrode is provided with a cooling coupler which establishes a heat transfer relation through the partition to the cold space to cool the emitter electrode by making the use of the cooling means inherent to the appliance.

Abstract: A method for atomizing active substances contained in a liquid, where: the method uses electrohydrodynamic means with at least one nozzle and at least one electrode, the nozzle and the electrode being formed and/or arranged in such a way and a voltage that is applied to the electrode being selected in such a way that a molecularization of the active substances contained in the liquid takes place and parasitic effects and/or disturbing influences that occur during the atomization, and in particular production of ozone, are reduced to the greatest extent. A nozzle for use in the method, where: an outer capillary tube of nonconducting material and an electrode in wire form arranged in the capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube and/or the electrode are formed and/or arranged in such a way that, during operation of the nozzle and atomization of the active substances contained in the liquid, the electrode is constantly wetted and no oxygen from the ambient air has contact with the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: Fluid ejection using multiple voltage pulses and removable well modules is provided. Ejection of an electrically conductive fluid is accomplished by the application of two or more high voltage pulses. The high voltage pulses are applied across a conducting nozzle for transporting the fluid and a grounded conducting ring positioned below the nozzle. Ejected fluid droplets fall through the center of the conducting ring and onto a substrate. The presence and approximate size of the ejected droplets can be sensed and used for feedback for the high voltage pulses. The conductive fluids are stored in well modules that are not permanently attached to a well plate. Each removable well module includes a conducting nozzle and can include valves and a memory chip. Control circuits are also provided to independently control the high voltage pulses applied to the individual well modules.

Abstract: A high voltage is applied between an emitter electrode in an atomizing barrel and an opposed electrode supported to the atomizing barrel to electrostatically atomize a liquid supplied to the emitter electrode into a mist of charged minute particles. A silencer duct is attached to the front end of the atomizing barrel for reducing noises developed when generating the mist of the charged minute particles. Accordingly, the silencer duct can absorb the noises developed around the emitter electrode and the opposed electrode at immediately downstream thereof for effectively reducing the noises.

Abstract: Water is fed from a tank to a capillary carrier having an emitter end from which an ionized water particle is emitted by a voltage being applied across the emitter end and an opposed electrode. A cation exchanger is provided to remove minerals such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the water being fed through the capillary carrier or from the water to be fed to the carrier from the tank, thereby avoiding the ions from precipitating at the emitter end as CaCO3 or MgO in reaction with CO2 in the surrounding air, and therefore assure reliable electrostatic atomization over a long period of time.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun includes a power supply, an enclosure having a wall and a valve providing access through the wall to evacuate the enclosure. Components of the power supply are housed in the enclosure and subject to the atmosphere within the enclosure.

Abstract: Total supplied current (I2) and high voltage (Vm) supplied to a rotary atomizer head (5) are detected by a total current sensor (115) and a high voltage sensor (116). Total leak current (I2) in paint paths, thinner paths and air paths inside an electrostatic atomizer (2) is detected via a metal back plate (40) of the electrostatic atomizer (2). When the total leak current value (I2) exceeds a threshold value (Ia), the level Vm of the high voltage applied to the rotary atomizer head (5) is lowered stepwise.

Abstract: A powder spraycoating gun and its gun housing. The spraygun housing is a plastic, integral body constituting a stock fitted with a powder discharge tube and a grip fitted with a powder intake tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for dosing and applying reagent fluid from a dosing head onto a surface in which the reagent fluid (30a) is continuously pumped in a circuit in the dosing head (2) that includes all fluid-carrying components, and, in the circuit, the reagent fluid is pumped from a supply container (30b) into a nozzle chamber (5) having at least one nozzle (6), with fluctuations in pressure being producible in the nozzle chamber (5) by means of a modulation element (7) such that the reagent fluid flows out of a nozzle (6) as a modulated continuous stream (9), breaks into individual drops (11) and is thus applied to the surface as individual drops (11) over a distance between the dosing head (2) and the surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The reservoir is deformable according to inner pressure and configured to provide a removable cartridge. The device includes a dispensing unit for spraying the liquid composition. The dispensing unit includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid composition and an emitter electrode which charges the liquid composition for electrostatically spraying the liquid composition out through the nozzle. A suction pump is integrated into the dispensing unit in an immediately upstream relation with the reservoir for feeding the liquid composition from the reservoir to the nozzle. Thus, the suction pump can be concentrated together with the emitter electrode and the nozzle into the dispensing unit on one end of the reservoir, enabling to realize the cartridge of a compact design.

Abstract: An emitter electrode is cooled by a cooler to generate condensed water which is charged by a high voltage applied between the emitter electrode and an opposed electrode and is discharged as a mist of charged minute water particles. A controller is provided to vary a temperature drop to a predetermined minimum temperature in dependence of an environmental temperature detected by a temperature sensor. The temperature drop is made variable in proportion to the environmental temperature. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of water can be condensed on the emitter electrode simply by controlling the cooling of the emitter electrode without relying upon an environmental humidity.

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.