Corona Irradiation Patents (Class 250/324)
  • Publication number: 20140154425
    Abstract: Method for increasing the adhesive power of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having an upper and a lower surface, wherein at least one surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is subjected to a physical process, said physical process being selected from among the group comprising corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, preliminary flame treatment, or plasma treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TESA SE
    Inventors: Hermann Neuhaus-Steinmetz, Uwe Schümann, Arne Koops, Thomas Schubert, Olga Kirpicenok, Kirstin Weiland, Dennis Perlbach, Sarah Reich
  • Patent number: 8744316
    Abstract: A charged particle generator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating material that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. Charged particles are generated by discharge that occurs between the first and the second electrodes. The first electrode, the insulating material, and the second electrode are arranged in a first direction. The second electrode has a shape that does not intersect a path along which the charged particles move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Morino, Masao Ohmori
  • Patent number: 8710456
    Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transport ions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Klochkov, Peter Gefter, Steven Bernard Heymann, Leslie W. Partridge, Greenberry Bedford Brown, Matthew T. Antonelli
  • Patent number: 8709351
    Abstract: A continuous feed discharge surface treater for treating web materials has a discharge chamber where ionization of a process gas occurs defined and contained by one or more rollers. Enhanced chemical coronas and plasmas are achieved by limiting depletion of the gas chemistry from the discharge chamber and dilution or contamination from mixing with drawn in ambient air. Atmospheric coronas can also be achieved in which minimal or no ozone is exhausted from the treater. Various roller and electrode assemblies, including both fixed and rolling electrodes, can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Enercon Industris Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Hammen, Joseph Roethle, Gregory W. Schuelke
  • Publication number: 20140105645
    Abstract: A coronode charging device that is photo-etched with titanium which slows the erosion rate of the coronode and thereby enhances uniformity over a larger number of copies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Pozniakas, Richard B. Gruszewski, Paul F. Sawicki
  • Publication number: 20130343781
    Abstract: A scorotron charging device includes a titanium grid in order to achieve improved resistance to corona byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Pozniakas, Richard B. Gruszewski, Paul F. Sawicki
  • Patent number: 8492733
    Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transportions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Klochkov, Peter Gefter, Steven Bernard Heymann, Leslie W. Partridge, Greenberry Bedford Brown, Matthew T. Antonelli
  • Publication number: 20130161512
    Abstract: An ion generator 10a has an ejection head 18 as an opposite electrode and a discharge electrode 16, and generates air ions by corona discharge. A nozzle 14 supporting the discharge electrode 16 is attached to a base member 12 formed with an air supply path 11, and the nozzle 14 is formed with an exposure surface 24 for exposing the tip end portion 16b of the discharge electrode 16 and a tapered surface 25. The nozzle 14 is formed with air guide holes 26 which communicate with the air supply path 11, and ejection ports of the air guide holes 26 are open on the tapered surface 25. Compressed air ejected from the ejection port is flowed along the tapered surface 25 so that outside air surrounding the nozzle 14 is involved in the compressed air, and sprayed in a front direction of the discharge electrode 16.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinari Fukada
  • Publication number: 20130153764
    Abstract: Provided is an air supply tube including an inlet port that takes in air, an outlet port that is arranged opposite a portion of an elongated target structure in a longitudinal direction, to which air taken in from the inlet port is to be supplied, and has an elongated opening shape, a channel portion in which a channel space for allowing air to flow between the inlet port and the outlet port is formed, and plural suppressing portions that suppress the flow of air, wherein the plural suppressing portions include at least a most downstream suppressing portion, a first upstream suppressing portion that is provided in a part initially located on the upstream side in the air flow direction, and a gap regulating portion that forms an extended gap at the same interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori MOMOMURA, Kazuki INAMI, Yuki NAGAMORI, Koji OTSUKA, Masafumi KUDO
  • Patent number: 8450698
    Abstract: An ion airflow generating device includes a number of generator stages, each of which includes a number of generators. Each generator includes a needle-shaped emitter and a ring-shaped receiver. The receivers in the same stage are arranged in an array. Each receiver defines a groove in an outer circumferential surface thereof along a direction parallel to the central axis thereof. Each two adjacent receivers in a former generator stage connect with each other, and the grooves thereof cooperatively define a hole for holding an emitter in a next generator stage. The receivers in the next generator stage symmetrically offset from the receivers in the former generator stage such that each emitter aligns to the center of a corresponding receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ampower Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsung-Liang Hung, Chi-Hsiung Lee, Yu-Hsiao Chao, Nai-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 8445863
    Abstract: An air cleaner includes a negative ion generation portion generating negative ions, a positive ion generation portion generating positive ions, a drive portion adjusting a distance between the ion generation portions, a wind velocity sensor detecting wind velocity at positions where the ion generation portions are installed, and a microcomputer controlling the drive portion based on a detection result of the wind velocity sensor and setting distance D between the ion generation portions to an optimal value. Therefore, since the distance between the ion generation portions is set to the optimal value, a large amount of ion generation can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromu Nishida
  • Patent number: 8323751
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production process of a roller for an electrophotography, having a surface layer the electric resistance of which has been controlled by corona discharge treatment while keeping any pinholes from coming about on the surface. A production process of a roller for an electrophotography, said roller comprising a conductive mandrel and a conductive surface layer comprising a resin and carbon black dispersed in the resin, the process having the following steps (1) to (3): (1) forming a resin layer comprising a resin and carbon black dispersed therein on the circumference of the conductive mandel; (2) attaching silica particles on the surface of the resin layer; and (3) subjecting corona discharge treatment to the surface of the resin layer on which the silica particles are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunimasa Kawamura, Yuji Sakurai, Shohei Urushihara
  • Patent number: 8257649
    Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: HGI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy J. E. Morneault
  • Patent number: 8204407
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide methods, materials and devices for a corona charging. Specifically, carbon nanotube yarns can be used as corona wires (or coronode) in a corotron-type or scorotron-type charging device. The carbon nanotube yarns can provide small diameters, and desired electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. The carbon nanotube yarns can have a diameter of about 100 microns or less for a low operating voltage of the charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Zona, Kock-yee Law
  • Patent number: 8193495
    Abstract: A system and apparatus that removes and collects non-functional wire assemblies from dicorotron units is described. It has a removal tool with flexible levers mounted on the top of a storage box. The removal tool has an open top and bottom, the open bottom is aligned with an opening in the top of the box to permit a dislodged anchor and wire assembly to fall therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Parks, Jamie S. Clayfield, Douglas S Smith, James D. Walsh, Eliud Robles Flores, Gerald F. Daloia
  • Patent number: 8049170
    Abstract: An ion generation element includes an induction electrode and a plurality of discharge electrodes. The induction electrode is formed of one metal plate. A circumferential portion of a through hole is bent, and a thickness of a wall portion of the through hole is greater than a thickness of a top plate portion. A needle-like tip end of the discharge electrode is located within a range of the thickness of the through hole. Thus, an induction electrode having a structure realizing a small thickness, capable of lessening variation in an amount of ion generation caused by variation in positional relation between the tip end of the discharge electrode and the induction electrode, an ion generation element, an ion generation apparatus, and electric equipment can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sekoguchi, Yasuhiro Iwashita
  • Patent number: 8018710
    Abstract: The ionizer includes a nozzle having a discharge electrode for inducing corona discharge by application of high voltage to eject ions, an emission port for emitting supplied gas together with the ejected ions, and a gas channel for guiding supplied gas to the emission port. Herein, a velocity of flow of the gas immediately after emission from the emission port exceeds a velocity of sound, and a gas pressure at the emission port is not less than an atmospheric pressure. The gas channel has a throat part for narrowing the gas channel such that a channel area gradually decreases, and a ratio of the atmospheric pressure to a gas pressure at a position where the channel area does not vary, the position being located forward of the throat part, is not more than 0.528.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Tsukasa Fujita, Yuuki Tokita
  • Patent number: 7902503
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for characterization of an electron beam or an ion beam includes an electrical conducting disk of refractory material having a circumference, a center, and a Faraday cup assembly positioned to receive the electron beam or ion beam. At least one slit in the disk provides diagnostic characterization of the electron beam or ion beam. The at least one slit is located between the circumference and the center of the disk and includes a radial portion that is in radial alignment with the center and a portion that deviates from radial alignment with the center. The electron beam or ion beam is directed onto the disk and translated to the at least one slit wherein the electron beam or ion beam enters the at least one slit for providing diagnostic characterization of the electron beam or ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Alan T. Teruya, John W. Elmer, Todd A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7871530
    Abstract: Provided is near-field optical probe including: a cantilever arm support portion that is formed of a lower silicon layer of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, the cantilever arm support portion having a through hole formed therein at a side of the lower silicon layer; and a cantilever arm forming of a junction oxidation layer pattern and an upper silicon layer pattern on the SOI substrate that are supported on an upper surface of the lower silicon layer and each have a smaller hole than the through hole, a silicon oxidation layer pattern having a tip including an aperture at a vertical end, corresponding with the hole on the upper silicon layer pattern, and an optical transmission prevention layer that is formed on the silicon oxidation layer pattern and does not cover the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Eunkyoung Kim, Sung Q Lee, Kang Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7822355
    Abstract: The present invention is related to preventing dust agglomeration on a sharp electrode which is used for generating corona. According to certain aspects, the invention includes a dust shroud which decreases or prevents dust accumulation on the sharp electrodes. The dust shroud changes the gas flow path so as to reduce the amount of gas passing near the sharp electrode. An advantage of the shroud is that it prevents dust from building up on the electrodes. The shroud is a simple, passive addition to the electrostatic pump, such that the pump is otherwise able to operate normally throughout its life. In embodiments, the shroud can be used to protect a corona electrode used in heat sink applications especially in electronics cooling. It can also be used in electrostatic precipitators for cleaning dust or chemical or microbe particles from air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ventiva, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Schlitz
  • Publication number: 20100196819
    Abstract: Provided herein is a surface treatment method of oil contaminated xerographic prints which increases the adhesion of the print to levels close to the values corresponding to the original uncontaminated paper. Subjecting the contaminated surface to corona treatment alone and in combination with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone can change the chemical structure of the surface of the paper in such a way that a highly polar surface is created as a consequence of this treatment, leading to enhanced adhesion properties of the xerographic print.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guiqin Song, Edward G. Zwartz, Nicoleta Mihai, Nan-Xing Hu, T. Brian McAneney
  • Patent number: 7763853
    Abstract: A corona generating device for charging a surface including, a housing; the housing including spaced generally parallel side panels; members for holding a corona generating electrode in an operable position within the housing; and system for adjusting the height spacing of the corona generating electrode relative to the surface the adjusting system includes a first bridge member adjacent to the inboard wire mount and a second bridge member adjacent to the outboard wire mount, the first bridge member and second bridge member contacts the wire to change the distance of the wire relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: James D Walsh
  • Patent number: 7759654
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating corona discharges, comprising a first assembly, which first assembly is built up of at least one corona discharge space and at least one discharge electrode disposed in the corona discharge space, as well as a high voltage source, an output of which is connected to the at least one discharge electrode. The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating corona discharges as referred to in the introduction, which apparatus is capable of controlling more corona discharge spaces, using the standard parts and components, and which is also suitable for high power levels, therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventors: Keping Yan, Egbertus Johannes Van Heesch
  • Patent number: 7759643
    Abstract: A single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization source using a corona discharge and a method of analyzing a sample using a corona discharge single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization source are provided. In the corona discharge single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization technique electrons are removed from the metal tip of the device through gases present in the electrospray ion source resulting in electrochemical ionization of the sample of interest. The resulting odd electron sample cation (positive ion mode) or anion (negative ion mode) can then be analyzed by an appropriate technique, such as, for example, a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, The United States of America
    Inventors: John R. Lloyd, Sonja Hess
  • Publication number: 20100176290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to increase the efficiency with which a sample vapor is ionized prior to being introduced into an analyzer. Excellent contact between the vapor and the charging agent is achieved in the ionization chamber by separating it from the analyzer by means of a perforated impaction plate. As a result, some desired fraction of the gas going into the analyzer or coming out of the analyzer can be controlled independently from the flow of sample through the ionization chamber. Furthermore, penetration into said ionization chamber of said desired fraction of the gas going into or out of the analyzer is minimized by controlling the dimensions of said perforated impaction plate. Ions formed in the ionization chamber are driven partly by electric fields through said hole in said perforated impaction plate into the inlet to the analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: GUILLERMO VIDAL-DE-MIGUEL
  • Patent number: 7716772
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a driving mechanism and a plurality of cleaning elements. The driving mechanism is disposed in the housing. The cleaning elements are connected to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism rotates the cleaning elements to clean the emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jui-Pin Shih, Yi-Ming Lin, Chih-Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20100016714
    Abstract: A syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation capable of suppressing the adhesion of air bubbles, and a pre-filled syringe formulation having the adhesion of air bubbles suppressed, are provided, and a process allowing efficient production of the syringe barrel is provided. A syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation having the interior surface treated by corona discharge; a pre-filled syringe formulation having a drug solution filled and sealed in the syringe barrel; and a process for producing a syringe barrel for pre-filled syringe formulation, including subjecting the interior surface of a syringe barrel to a corona discharge treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
    Inventors: Ryoh Nagata, Yukihiro Ando, Morisaku Saito
  • Patent number: 7599643
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a corona discharger including: a stylus electrode; and a cleaning member capable of slidably moving along a longitudinal direction of the stylus electrode in the state that the stylus electrode is sandwiched in the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning member includes: a movable body attached to a case section of the corona discharger so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the stylus electrode; a first slidably-contacting member and a second slidably-contacting member which are supported by the movable body and between which the stylus electrode is inserted; and an urging unit interposed between the movable body and the first slidably-contacting member so as to elastically urge the first slidably-contacting member to the second slidably-contacting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naritoshi Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7549879
    Abstract: This is a modular connector used to supply electricity and air to a corona assembly. The connector has an electrical component removably positioned on an air component. When one of these components becomes inoperative, it can be detached from the other component, and the detached component replaced with new functional component. The air component is configured to remove effluents such as ozone and NOx from the corona assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: James D Walsh
  • Patent number: 7504628
    Abstract: An electrode for atmospheric corona discharge apparatus provide a passive conductor whose surface is decorated with nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes provide for a lower corona discharge initiation voltage and raise the possibility for reduced ozone production on corona discharge devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Junhong Chen
  • Patent number: 7462824
    Abstract: Combined desorption and ionization sources are provided to generate molecular ions form a sample disposed on a substrate surface. A heated gas-jet probe or heated solvent stream probe desorbs sample molecules into the gas phase. The desorbed sample molecules are ionized by reaction between the sample molecule and charged solvent droplets. The charged solvent droplets may be produced by electrospray probe or by a corona discharge. The combined desorption and ionization sources coupled by a vacuum interface to a mass spectrometer, where the sample molecule ions can be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Yang Wang
  • Publication number: 20080290276
    Abstract: A corona generating device for charging a surface including, a housing; the housing including spaced generally parallel side panels; members for holding a corona generating electrode in an operable position within the housing; and system for adjusting the height spacing of the corona generating electrode relative to the surface the adjusting system includes a first bridge member adjacent to the inboard wire mount and a second bridge member adjacent to the outboard wire mount, the first bridge member and second bridge member contacts the wire to change the distance of the wire relative to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: James D. Walsh
  • Patent number: 7432504
    Abstract: A system and apparatus that removes and collects non-functional wire assemblies from dicorotron units is described. It has a removal tool mounted on the top of a storage box. The removal tool has an open top and bottom, the open bottom is aligned with an opening in the top of the box to permit a dislodged wire assembly to fall therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Parks, Jamie S. Clayfield, Douglas S. Smith, James D. Walsh, Eliud Robles Flores, Gerald F. Daloia
  • Patent number: 7420169
    Abstract: Electrostatic printing processes utilize corona-charging units. When those units wear out or become faulty, they need to be replaced. This embodiment provides a tool that can be used to remove a faulty electrode wire assembly from the unit. This same tool when loaded with a new wire assembly can insert a new wire assembly into the emptied corona charging unit, sometimes referred to as a dicorotron unit. The tool, therefore, is used both to remove or insert a wire assembly from or into a dicorotron unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Parks, Jamie S. Clayfield, Douglas S. Smith, James D. Walsh, Eliud Robles Flores, Gerald F. Daloia
  • Publication number: 20080203303
    Abstract: A single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization source using a corona discharge and a method of analyzing a sample using a corona discharge single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization source are provided. In the corona discharge single electrode electrochemical/electrospray ionization technique electrons are removed from the metal tip of the device through gases present in the electrospray ion source resulting in electrochemical ionization of the sample of interest. The resulting odd electron sample cation (positive ion mode) or anion (negative ion mode) can then be analyzed by an appropriate technique, such as, for example, a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: John R. Lloyd, Sonja Hess
  • Publication number: 20080142699
    Abstract: An IMS or other analytical instrument has a corona discharge needle (20) to ionize sample gases or vapours. A gate (3) is opened or closed to admit or prevent entry of the ions produced by the corona discharge to a drift chamber (4). The operation of the corona discharge needle (20) and the gate (3) are controlled such that the gate is open during at least two discharges, to admit faster ions produced by the most recent discharge together with slower ions produced by an earlier discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Alastair Clark, John Patrick FitzGerald, Stephen John Taylor, Robert Brian Turner
  • Patent number: 7388195
    Abstract: The invention provides an interface assembly for delivering an ionized analyte from an ionization apparatus into an ion mobility spectrometer. This allows analysis of biological and non-biological samples, even non-volatile solids, via differential mobility spectrometry, without fragmentation of molecules. The invention also provides portable sample analysis systems that operate at ambient pressure. Systems of the invention may be used for high molecular weight species detection, for example, drinking water contaminants, pathogenic biological agents, bio-organic substances, non-biological material, peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, polymers, bacteria, and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela M. Zapata, Ernest S. Kim, Priya Agrawal, Melissa D. Krebs, Cristina E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7342227
    Abstract: A plasma sprayed TiO2 coating is used to remove effluents produced during an electrical charging step using a corona charging device. The plasma spray allows for the application of TiO2 ceramic to an aluminum dicorotron housing. Plasma spray also increases the electrical conductivity of the TiO2 (which is necessary for the dicorotron operation). Plasma sprayed coatings are also porous which aids in the capture and reduction of effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Blair, Joy L. Longhenry, Jeffry Welch, Thomas Debies, Bruce J. Parks, Eliud Robles-Flores, Evan Kastner, Jamie S. Clayfield
  • Patent number: 7326926
    Abstract: A corona discharge mass spectrometer or an ion mobility spectrometer is provided with a robust corona discharge ionization source. The corona discharge ionization source, which can be operated at atmospheric pressures or at low vacuum, includes a multi-thread electrode and plane electrode. The multiple thread electrode has multiple discharge tips which provide redundancy, and improve ionization stability and the reliability and efficiency of the ionization source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 7295793
    Abstract: A charging mechanism for an electrophotographic reproduction system has a charger cartridge inserted into a charger sleeve. The charger cartridge has multiple facets, each with a corona charger. The charger cartridge is positioned in the charger sleeve to have the corona charger of one facet adjacent to a photoconductor in the electrophotographic reproduction system. The charger cartridge may be repositioned in the charger sleeve to have another corona charger from another facet adjacent to the photoconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Palmer, Douglas W. DeHollander
  • Patent number: 7264752
    Abstract: Conductive coatings usable for coating various elements of corona generating devices and method of forming such coatings are provided. The coatings include graphite and at least one transition metal oxide catalyst. When the conductive coatings are employed in elements of corona generating devices and the devices are activated, the conductivity of the elements is maintained in a manner that preserves the ability of a photoreceptor in an image forming device to retain an image charge in a fashion sufficient to allow subsequent development with toner. The coatings also function to scavenge ozone and neutralize nitrogen oxides formed during operation of corona generating devices. Corona generating devices including elements having such coatings are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Stephan V. Drappel
  • Patent number: 7236723
    Abstract: A xerographic printing device, including a charging device having a shield. In some embodiments of the shield of the charging device in the xerographic printing device, three slots are provided with one slot in the upstream process direction and the other two slots sharing a common axis in downstream process direction and neither an overlap nor a gap existing between the ends of any of the slots in a longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, a plurality of holes are included in the shield. The charging device can be a corotron, a dicorotron, a scorotron, a discorotron, a pin corotron, a pin scorotron, or any other known or later developed charging device of that type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Eliud Robles Flores, John Robert Uchal
  • Patent number: 7208732
    Abstract: A dicorotron unit and a wire assembly of a dicorotron unit where a wire electrode is strung between two insulator anchors. The anchors are held in place by flexible grippers. The grippers have flexible tabs that snap into the dicorotron housing and allow the grippers to remain in this housing when the wire assembly is removed from the dicorotron unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Jamie S. Clayfield, S. Chad Velk
  • Patent number: 7157704
    Abstract: A method of operating a corona discharge device includes producing a high-intensity electric field in an immediate vicinity of at least one corona electrode and continuously or periodically heating the corona electrode to a temperature sufficient to mitigate an undesirable effect of an impurity, such as an oxide layer, formed on the corona electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor A. Krichtafovitch, Jacob Oharah, John Thompson
  • Patent number: 7149458
    Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Three conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a screen adjacent the photoreceptor. There can be provided insulative walls between adjacent pin arrays. The screen and a surface of the housing can be curved to correspond to a curvature of the photoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Zona, Alicia G. Hughes, Allen J. Thompson, Neil A. Frankel, Charles H. Tabb, Clifford W. Imes, IV, George E. Wright, Eugene M. Gluszko
  • Patent number: 7136612
    Abstract: A scorotron used in xerography is connected to a voltage source within a printing apparatus through a pin. The pin is anchored in an insulative end block which defines channels therein, each channel enclosing a portion of a corona member which extends the length of the scorotron. Each corona member defines a specially-shaped opening, the openings of a plurality of corona members being aligned to accept the pin therethrough. A cover block is placed over the end block to complete the enclosure of the portions of the corona member. The cover block also defines a collar which surrounds a portion of the pin, and lugs on which a screen of the scorotron is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ludovicus A. M. Nooyens, Peter J. M. Bloemen
  • Patent number: 7050743
    Abstract: The invention is directed to self-regenerative, polymeric coatings and methods of using the coatings in xerography to increase the life and effectiveness of catalytic surfaces, such as, for example, charging device surfaces, by neutralizing ozone and nitrogen oxide species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: XEROX Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Blair, Thomas P. Debies, Ken M. Cerrah, Anne L. Wickett, Kevin H. Taft, Kristen V. Baines
  • Patent number: 6963479
    Abstract: A device for handling a fluid includes a corona discharge device and an electric power supply. The corona discharge device includes at least one corona discharge electrode and at least one collector electrode positioned proximate each other so as to provide a total inter-electrode capacitance within a predetermined range. The electric power supply is connected to supply an electric power signal to said corona discharge and collector electrodes so as to cause a corona current to flow between the corona discharge and collector electrodes. An amplitude of an alternating component of the voltage of the electric power signal generated is no greater than one-tenth that of an amplitude of a constant component of the voltage of the electric power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor A. Krichtafovitch
  • Patent number: 6952548
    Abstract: A charging apparatus has a discharging member with a plurality of protrusions and an auxiliary member for assisting discharges by the discharging member, and an insulating member formed among the plurality of protrusions of the discharging member, so that discharge is made between the discharging member and the auxiliary member upon application of a voltage between the discharging member and the auxiliary member. Where an interval among distal ends of the plurality of protrusions of the discharging member is denoted as P and an interval between the discharging member and the auxiliary member is denoted as D, P is at least equal to or greater than D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michio Uchida, Akihiko Takeuchi, Tomoyuki Araki, Tamotsu Kaneko, Takaaki Tsuruya, Isao Matsuoka, Hirotaka Ishii, Tomonori Shida
  • Patent number: 6920297
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus wherein a wire of a charger is cleaned while a process unit is attached to or removed from a casing. A cleaning unit pinches the wire of the charger therein slidably, and reciprocates to clean the wire when the process unit is attached to or removed from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nao Itabashi