Abstract: A selectively configurable spray gun may include a gun body comprising a selectable forward section and a rearward section. The rearward section may be connected with either of two or more selectable forward sections so as to selectively configure the spray gun to operate either with a dense phase powder supply configuration or a with dilute phase powder supply configuration. The rearward section may include a selectable powder flow path that is connectable at an inlet end to a source of dense phase powder and at an outlet end to a selectable spray nozzle in the selectable forward section that may optionally include a diffuser. An adapter may be used to connect the rearward section with a selectable spray nozzle or air cap. A manual spray gun embodiment is also presented. A selectively configurable spray gun for use with a dense phase powder supply may include a smaller diameter powder tube that extends through a larger diameter powder tube.

Abstract: An air purifier is disclosed having a bubble generator configured to generate fine air bubbles with a diameter of about 50 ?m or less and a negative electrical charge. The bubble generator is coupled to an air purification tank, which contains a liquid for purifying the air within the air bubbles, by dissolving impurities. The tank also has a positive electrode disposed within the liquid. The positive electrode is configured to attract the negatively charged air bubbles, thereby promoting defoaming and increasing the air throughput rate.

Abstract: The invention involves electrospray ionization of dissolved substances at atmospheric pressure in the ion source of a mass spectrometer. A chip with a multitude of spray nozzles is proposed, where each individual spray nozzle is surrounded by several sheath gas nozzles, preferably in a symmetric arrangement, for the jet-like introduction of a sheath gas. A shared attracting-voltage electrode is positioned substantially opposite the spray nozzles. The attracting-voltage electrode may have a tapering (e.g. funnel-shaped) opening above each spray nozzle so that the sheath gas jets are forced to closely envelop the spray jet, which is comprised of ions and very fine droplets. Heavier ions and droplets are thus prevented from discharging on the surfaces of the openings of the attracting-voltage electrode. Special measures can be taken to make all spray nozzles spray uniformly and to supply them with substance peaks from chromatographic or electrophoretic separators as simultaneously as possible.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus comprises an array of nozzle apertures 16 arranged side-by-side, and a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the nozzle apertures 16. In use the powder supply chamber 18 supplies powder to the nozzle apertures 16 under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be discharged from the array of nozzle apertures 16. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 100, a relatively wide coating of a uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiplexed system for electrospraying cooling fluid to produce electrically charged droplets essentially uniform in size for cooling applications. The system comprise a preferably microfabricated fluid distributor consisting of multiple nozzles/atomizers from which the droplets are dispersed, an extractor electrode consisting in an electrically conductive plate with multiple holes coaxial with the nozzles and a third electrode consisting of either the surface to be cooled or another conductive material in contact with said surface. The system provides highly efficient cooling by avoiding the droplet rebound, when the charged droplets are pinned on the surface to be cooled by the electric image force. Testing of a prototype system demonstrated a heat flux removal of 96 W/cm2 with a remarkable cooling efficiency reaching 97%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the apparatus that produces very small or nano-sized, charged droplets and the methods for producing such charged fluid droplets. This apparatus avoids the problems known to exist with using spray nozzles having very small orifices to produce such small fluid droplets, those problems including clogging of the nozzles.

Abstract: Electrospraying systems and associated methods are generally described.

Abstract: The invention involves electrospray ionization of dissolved substances at atmospheric pressure in the ion source of a mass spectrometer. A chip with a multitude of spray nozzles is proposed, where each individual spray nozzle is surrounded by several sheath gas nozzles, preferably in a symmetric arrangement, for the jet-like introduction of a sheath gas. A shared attracting-voltage electrode is positioned substantially opposite the spray nozzles. The attracting-voltage electrode may have a tapering (e.g. funnel-shaped) opening above each spray nozzle so that the sheath gas jets are forced to closely envelop the spray jet, which is comprised of ions and very fine droplets. Heavier ions and droplets are thus prevented from discharging on the surfaces of the openings of the attracting-voltage electrode. Special measures can be taken to make all spray nozzles spray uniformly and to supply them with substance peaks from chromatographic or electrophoretic separators as simultaneously as possible.

Abstract: Fire-extinguishing agent supplying equipment pressurizes a water-based fire-extinguishing agent and supplies the agent via a pipe; and the water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied via the pipe to an electrification spray head installed in a protection area A, and the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head. A pulsed or alternating electrification voltage is applied to the electrification spray head from a voltage application unit 15, and an external electric field generated by applying the voltage between a water-side electrode unit and an induction electrode unit is applied to the fire-extinguishing agent in a jetting process to electrify the jetted particles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic atomizer variable in arrangement and configuration while being low in cost and uncomplicated. An electrostatic atomizer includes a spray site, a spray electrode (1) electrically connectable to the spray site, a reference electrode (2), and a power supply (4) for applying a voltage between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2). The reference electrode (2) is arranged such that when a voltage is applied between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2), matter to be electrostatically atomized is atomized from the spray site. The power supply (4) monitors an electrical property of the spray site, and adjusts the voltage to be applied between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2) according to a monitored electrical property of the spray site and a predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: Examples described herein illustrate techniques related to satellite aerosol generation. In some examples, aerosols are sensed based on the interaction between satellite aerosols and a corona discharge from a corona source.

Abstract: A charge ring and fluid restriction arrangement for a paint spray tool. The paint spray tool has a charge ring that is moveable along the axis of the tool body. The paint spray tool also has interchangeable pre-orifices within the tool body.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. According to one exemplary method, a liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.

Abstract: A wide protection range can be ensured by extending the flying distance of fire-extinguishing agent particles electrified and sprayed from a head. A water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied to an electrification spray head 10 installed in a protection area A via a pipe, the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head 10. The electrification spray head mixes and sprays the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively small particle size included in a range from 30 ?m to 200 ?m by a small-particle jetting nozzle 38a and the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively-large particle size of 200 ?m to 2000 ?m by a large-particle jetting nozzle 38b, thereby carrying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the small particle size by the air current caused by spraying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the large particle size.

Abstract: Fire-extinguishing agent supplying equipment pressurizes a water-based fire-extinguishing agent and supplies the agent via a pipe; and the water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied via the pipe to an electrification spray head installed in a protection area A, and the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head. A pulsed or alternating electrification voltage is applied to the electrification spray head from a voltage application unit 15, and an external electric field generated by applying the voltage between a water-side electrode unit and an induction electrode unit is applied to the fire-extinguishing agent in a jetting process to electrify the jetted particles.

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 electrostatic atomizer equipped with an electrostatic atomization pole having superior resistance to migration. The atomizer includes an electrostatic atomization pole, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the pole with liquid, and a power supply that supplies the pole with high voltage to electrostatically atomize the liquid held on the pole. A coating is formed on the surface of the pole, and the coating is formed of simple metal or alloy, which displays resistance to migration.

Abstract: A wide protection range can be ensured by extending the flying distance of fire-extinguishing agent particles electrified and sprayed from a head. A water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied to an electrification spray head 10 installed in a protection area A via a pipe, the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head 10. The electrification spray head mixes and sprays the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively small particle size included in a range from 30 ?M to 200 ?m by a small-particle jetting nozzle 38a and the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively-large particle size of 200 ?m to 2000 ?m by a large-particle jetting nozzle 38b, thereby carrying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the small particle size by the air current caused by spraying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the large particle size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for priming a substrate by contacting the substrate with a primer fed from a primer source and depositing the primer on the substrate. Compared to other priming methods, the claimed priming gives better results because the deposition is carried out electrostatically.

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: The invention relates to a device for the actively-controlled deposition of microdrops of biological solutions. The inventive device consists of at least one flat silicon lever comprising a central body and an end area which forms a point, a slit or groove being disposed in said point. The invention is characterized in that it also comprises at least one metallic track which is disposed on one face of the central body and which runs alongside said slit or groove at least partially. The invention also relates to a method of producing the inventive device and a method for the active-controlled deposition and sampling of microdrops of biological solutions using said device.

Abstract: A manifold for ostomy bag irrigation, including an inlet member having a channel defined therein, a T-member having a channel defined therein and in fluid communication with the inlet member, a left tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a right tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a left cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the left tube, and a right cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the right tube.

Abstract: A housing member includes a main housing body and an intermediate tube provided around the outer periphery of the main housing body. Located in a front portion of the main housing body is an atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head, while located in a rear portion of the main housing body is a high voltage generator to apply a high voltage to paint through the air motor. A multitude of hollow cavities are uniformly formed in the intermediate tube over the entire outer surface thereof by the use of through holes opened through the intermediate tube. A cover member is fitted on the outer surface of the intermediate tube in contact with the intermediate tube, thereby intensifying electric field strength in outer corner portions of the hollow cavities to prevent deposition of charged paint particles.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus and methods that employ multiple nozzle structures for producing multiple sprays of particles, e.g., nanoparticles, for various applications, e.g., pharmaceuticals, are provided. For example, an electrospray dispensing device may include a plurality of nozzle structures, wherein each nozzle structure is separated from adjacent nozzle structures by an interozzle distance. Sprays of particles are established from the nozzle structures by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the nozzle structures and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom.

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: 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: A device for dispensing coating material includes at least two electrodes for coupling to at least one high-magnitude potential supply so that the at least two electrodes are maintained substantially at two different high-magnitude potentials so that an electric field exists between the at least two electrodes. At least one of the at least two electrodes includes a passageway extending therethrough to provide a flow of compressed gas through the at least one of the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: An electrostatic paint sprayer 10 includes a body member 12 defining a paint passage 12a for flowing liquid paint supplied from a paint source 44, a nozzle assembly 16 adapted to be mounted to the end of the body member 12 so as to fluidly communicate with the paint passage 12a and a plurality of electrode pins 22 disposed about the axis and electrically connected to a electric power source 40. The nozzle assembly includes a paint orifice for discharging the supplied paint along an axis, a plurality of atomizing air orifices for discharging atomizing air to atomize the paint dispensed through the paint orifice and a plurality of shaping orifices for discharging shaping air to form the paint dispensed through the paint orifice into a predetermined pattern.

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: A cartridge for a spraying device, as well as a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge includes fluid reservoir a wetted lead screw and piston that upon rotation can pressurize a fluid within the reservoir. A self-actuating seal is placed between the piston and the lead screw, and extends into the reservoir such that the pressurized fluid applies a compressive force to the outer surface of the seal, causing the seal to clamp down on the lead screw. Such sealing is especially beneficial in electrohydrody?amic spraying devices and electrostatic spraying devices.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus and methods that employ multiple nozzle structures for producing multiple sprays of particles, e.g., nanoparticles, for various applications, e.g., pharmaceuticals, are provided. For example, an electrospray dispensing device may include a plurality of nozzle structures, wherein each nozzle structure is separated from adjacent nozzle structures by an internozzle distance. Sprays of particles are established from the nozzle structures by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the nozzle structures and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom.

Abstract: A tube-array showerhead for CVD or PECVD on large substrates delivers precursors to a process chamber via an array of tubes drilled with precision holes. The tubes rapidly become contaminated with use and must be changed frequently to maintain process quality. An improved manifold for a tube-array showerhead, intended for processes with a low pressure differential between the tubes and process chamber, includes holding-stubs to hold each tube by its ends outside the manifold block. At least one holding-stub for each tube is spring-loaded along the direction of the tube's operating axis. Contaminated tubes can be removed, and clean tubes installed, without disassembling the manifolds or disturbing any high-pressure-differential seals to the ambient atmosphere or precursor supplies. This invention reduces production costs by decreasing chamber down-time and reducing the risk of creating leaks when tubes are changed.

Abstract: A personal care apparatus (1) is provided with a suction nozzle configuration (4) which has two different suction nozzles (15, 22) with two different suction sections (27, 26), wherein the suction nozzles (15, 22) are held adjustably in relation to each other along a path of motion (16) which is preferably perpendicularly to their suction sections (27, 26), so that by means of an adjustment of this type in each case one of the suction nozzles (15, 22) may be adjusted with its suction section (27, 26) into an operating position permitting suctorial interaction with an area of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic standing-wave atomizer arrangement for producing a paint spray mist for painting a workpiece, with a sonotrode, with a component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode, a standing ultrasonic field being formed in the intermediate space between the at least one sonotrode and the component in the case of operation. At least one nozzle-shaped paint feeding device is arranged perpendicularly in relation to the center axis of the sonotrode and introduces the paint into the intermediate space for the atomizing process at least one paint discharge point, the component arranged lying opposite the sonotrode being a coaxially aligned reflector, and the end face of the latter, facing the sonotrode, having a step-shaped recessed formation and the depth of said recessed formation corresponding to a multiple of half the wavelength ? of the sonic vibrations in air that are produced in the sonotrode.

Abstract: Charged fine particulate water is provided, which has a nanometer particle size, for example, a particle size of 3 to 100 nm, and contains radicals such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxides. This charged fine particulate water can be generated by applying an electric-field intensity of 700 to 1200 V/mm between a pair of electrodes, while supplying water between the electrodes. By allowing the thus obtained charged fine particulate water to diffuse into an indoor space, it is possible to effectively remove bad odor components/bacteria from the indoor space.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying assembly is provided. The spraying assembly includes a housing having a fluid inlet passage that is connectable to a fluid source and communicates with a plurality of discharge passageways each of which extends through the housing to a downstream end at a discharge end of the housing. The housing has a one piece construction and is made of an electrically insulative material. The spraying assembly also includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a plurality of elongate electrode elements each of which is disposed in a respective one of the discharge passageways in the housing and an electrode header. The electrode header is electrically connectable to a voltage source and each of the electrode elements is electrically connectable to the electrode header.

Abstract: A method of preparing a toner, including periodically dripping and discharging a droplet of a toner constituent liquid including a resin and a colorant; and solidifying and granulating the droplet, wherein the dripper includes a thin film including plural nozzles; and an oscillator including an oscillation generator generating an oscillation; and an oscillation amplifier, including an oscillation surface facing the thin film in parallel therewith, amplifying the oscillation, and wherein the toner constituent liquid is fed between the thin film and the oscillation surface.

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: The invention relates to a method and devices for the production of capillary microjets and microparticles that can have a size of between hundreds of micrometers and several nanometers. The inventive method makes use of the combined effects of electrohydrodynamic forces, fluid-dynamic forces and a specific geometry in order to produce micro- and nano-capsules or fluid jets, single- or multi-component, which, upon disintegrating or splitting, form a significantly monodispersed spray of drops which have a controlled micro- or nanometric size and which can also comprise a specific internal structure, such as, for example, a nucleus which is surrounded by a cortex of a different substance or several concentric or non-concentric nuclei or vesicles which are surrounded by a cortex.

Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus (50) to jet a droplet of a charged liquid solution onto a base material, having: a nozzle (51) in which an edge portion thereof is arranged to face the base material K having a receiving surface to receive the jetted droplet, and an inside diameter of the edge portion from which the droplet is jetted is not more than 30 [?m]; and a liquid solution supplying section (35) to supply the liquid solution into the nozzle (51), wherein a jetting electrode (58) of the jetting voltage applying section (35) is provided on a back end portion side of the nozzle, and an inside passage length of the nozzle is set to at least not less than ten times of the inside diameter.

Abstract: A spray applicator cleaning system and a method includes a valve and control means for discharging air and solvent in alternating bursts to shaping air nozzles, a coating supply conduit and a dedicated cleaning nozzle on the applicator.

Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus (20) to jet a droplet of a charged liquid solution onto a base material, having: a nozzle (21) in which an edge portion thereof is arranged to face the base material K having a receiving surface to receive the jetted droplet, and an inside diameter of the edge portion from which the droplet is jetted is not more than 30 [?m]; a liquid solution supplying section (29) to supply the liquid solution into the nozzle (21); a jetting voltage applying section (25) to apply a jetting voltage to the liquid solution in the nozzle (21); and a convex meniscus forming section (40) to form a state where the liquid solution in the nozzle (21) protrudes from the nozzle edge portion.

Abstract: A fuel injection assembly comprising a main structure (101) for mounting on an internal combustion engine, the main structure having one or more orifices (115) for injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and the main structure also having mounted thereon charge electrodes (105, 118) positioned to provide an electric field which passes through the flow of fuel, for charging fuel particles to improve atomisation. The main structure also has mounted thereon a spark electrode (104) adapted to provide a fuel ignition spark for the internal combustion engine. The main structure of the assembly is adapted for removable mounting, having a threaded portion (102) adapted to co-operate with a threaded aperture in the internal combustion engine, normally adapted to receive a convention spark plug.

Abstract: A nozzle spray head is provided for use in a dynamic electrostatic air filter, in which the nozzle spray head assembly exhibits multiple nozzle orifices as outlet ports, which extend from the bottom of the nozzle body such that the distances between the outlet ports and a target member are not constant. The charged multiple outlet ports exhibit a more uniform electric field at their tips, thereby enabling a better and more uniform spray pattern to be emitted by each of the individual outlet ports. In one embodiment, the outlet ports are grouped in concentric circles, in which the innermost circle comprises outlet ports of the greatest lengths, and the outermost circle comprises outlet ports of the smallest lengths.

Abstract: A nozzle hole of a conductive nozzle plate exposes the liquid surface of conductive ink. Ultrasonic generation means vibrates the ink for forming fine surface waves on the liquid surface so that the ink is sprayed from the nozzle hole as an atomized liquid particle group. A back plate provided on the opposite side of the nozzle hole in relation to a printing paper is supplied with a potential different from that for the nozzle plate, so that an electric field is formed therebetween. The sprayed liquid particle group is charged and hence urged by this electric field to adhere to the printing paper.

Abstract: We have developed a gas distribution showerhead assembly, for use in a semiconductor processing chamber, which can be easily cleaned, with minimal chamber downtime. The gas distribution showerhead assembly includes an electrode having openings therethrough, and a gas distribution plate which includes a plurality of through-holes for delivering processing gases into the semiconductor processing chamber. The gas distribution plate is bonded to a first, lower major surface of the electrode. A removable insert which fits into an opening in the electrode through which gas flows. Spacing between surfaces of the removable insert and surfaces of the electrode is adequate to permit gas flow, but inadequate for plasma ignition within the opening. The removable insert can be easily removed during cleaning of the gas distribution showerhead, permitting the holes in the gas distribution plate to be easily accessed from both sides of the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow splitter that includes an outer fluid conduit for receiving an incoming fluid flow that is the bulk flow of effluent from a liquid chromatographic column, flowing at an input flow rate. The flow splitter further includes an inner fluid conduit coaxially mounted within the outer fluid conduit so that a portion of the incoming fluid is split off into the inner fluid conduit and flows into the input end thereof. The inner fluid conduit extends beyond the exterior of the outer fluid conduit to provide an output fluid flow having an output flow rate that is less than the input flow rate. The outer fluid conduit further includes a fluid outlet that provides an outlet for the portion of the incoming fluid that is not split by the inner fluid conduit. A restriction valve can be coupled to the fluid outlet to finely adjust the output flow rate. The input end of the inner fluid conduit is positioned so as to be substantially free of turbulence from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A rotating powder bell cup electrostatic spray assembly is provided. This assembly includes a bell cup body removably mated coaxially by screw threads to a first deflector, the assembly rotatably affixed to an air powder supply. Preferably, the bell cup and first deflector are constructed from an insulative, non-stick material. The assembly includes unique, streamlined, preferably teardrop shaped, paddle deflectors. All corners around which powder passes are rounded, thereby achieving streamlined flow and little or no powder accumulation, as well as improved efficiency, ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of cleaning for such devices. A preferred non-stick material of construction of the bell cup and first deflector is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes a body defining an interior space and a discharge orifice communicating with the interior space. An emitting electrode or electron gun is disposed inside the body so as to apply charges to the fluid passing through the interior space. A counter electrode is disposed outside the body. The exposed surfaces on the interior of the body are formed from a dielectric material so that there is no substantial electric field between exposed conductive elements on the inside of the body. This arrangement minimizes soot buildup and plugging of the orifice. The device may include a single element defining numerous orifices and formed by micro-machining techniques such as those used in fabrication of semiconductor devices. Orifice sizes as small as a few micrometers can use successfully to provide controllable atomization at extremely low flow rates.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes a body defining an interior space and a discharge orifice communicating with the interior space. An emitting electrode or electron gun is disposed inside the body so as to apply charges to the fluid passing through the interior space. A counter electrode is disposed outside the body. The exposed surfaces on the interior of the body are formed from a dielectric material so that there are no substantial electric field between exposed conductive elements on the inside of the body. This arrangement minimizes soot buildup and plugging of the orifice. The device may include a single element defining numerous orifices and formed by micro-machining techniques such as those used in fabrication of semiconductor devices. Orifice sizes as small as a few micrometers can use successfully to provide controllable atomization at extremely low flow rates.