Abstract: Configurable application, for scoring an object including: configuration interface to: receive configuration parameters for each object including: a. a list of attributes to be associated with an object; b. a maximum total score; c. for each attribute in the attributes list: minimum value, maximum value, and weight; and d. configuration type; and a processing unit to calculate scoring for the object according to the received configuration parameters, by: receiving a value for each attribute in the object's attributes list; comparing each attribute value against a predefined minimum and maximum; calculating total score according to a predefined formula, when the attribute value is within the range of the minimum and maximum; calculating total score based on configuration type, when the attribute value is outside the minimum and maximum range; displaying the total score to a user via a display unit. The calculating is performed only when all attributes have values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for screen or stencil printing a pattern on a substrate are provided. The substrate (2) has its major surface in contact with a first major surface (112) of a stencil shell (111) having apertures (116). A coating material is disposed onto the second major surface (114) of the stencil shell (111) to flow through the apertures (116) to contact the substrate (2), where the coating material is at least partially cured. The substrate (2) is separated (C) from the first major surface (112) of the stencil shell (111) after the curing (142) and a pattern (42) of the at-least-partially-cured coating material is formed on the substrate (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a spectral preprocessing method and device suitable for fruit near-infrared nondestructive detection, which includes the following steps: calculating overall noise distribution of spectral data; performing adaptive threshold segmentation on the spectral data to form a plurality of segmentation intervals, calculating noise of each interval in each segmentation interval, performing cyclic adaptive parameter SG filtering on each interval of an original spectrum to find optimal filtering parameters; performing sliding polynomial fitting on the spectral data within the respective intervals, deriving a derivative of a fitting polynomial of each point at a current point.

Abstract: A system includes a tunable Fabry-Perot etalon, a detector, and a processor. The tunable Fabry-Perot etalon has a settable gap. The detector measures light intensity transmitted through the tunable Fabry-Perot etalon. The processor is configured to determine the calibrated spectral measurement, wherein the calibrated spectral measurement is based at least in part on a measurement set of detected light intensities for a selected set of settable gaps and a reconstruction matrix. The reconstruction matrix is based at least in part on calibration measurements using one or more field material targets, prior stored full calibrations for each of the one or more field material targets, and the selected set of settable gaps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cascade insert for an ionising bar for the contactless neutralising of electrostatic charges and/or for contactless charging, in particular of insulation materials. The cascade insert includes a housing having at least one cascade circuit which has at least one transformer and a one- or multiple-stage cascade unit, said circuit units being potted with a potting material, and the output of the cascade circuit is coupled capacitively, inductively or resistively with a plurality of electrode points which are accommodated in a carrier extending in the direction of extension of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a static eliminator having an offset voltage reducing structure capable of improving antistatic performance for a charged body by reducing an ion offset voltage. The present static eliminator comprises a static eliminator body having an air passage through which high-pressure air is supplied, a plurality of discharge structures installed at the lower end of the static eliminator body to supply the high-pressure air passing through the air passage, and generating positive/negative ions by discharging using the applied high voltage, and an offset voltage reduction unit having a plurality of openings formed to allow the positive/negative ions and high-pressure air to pass therethrough, and installed to cover at least some of the plurality of discharge structures.

Abstract: A duct for guiding air outside an image forming apparatus to a charging device includes: a first flow passage; a second flow passage bent from the first flow passage and extending in a direction orthogonal to a rotational direction and a rotational axis direction of a photosensitive drum, the second flow passage being provided with an outlet; and a plurality of flow dividing plates provided in the second flow passage, the plurality of flow dividing plates being disposed in parallel along the rotational axis direction and forming a third flow passage between the flow dividing plates adjacent to each other, in which a relationship between a length in the orthogonal direction and a length in the rotational axis direction of the third flow passage is a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A charging device includes: a charging roll configured to charge a photoconductor; a housing that houses the charging roll; and a heating unit that directly heats the housing or the charging roll. In the charging device, the heating unit may be disposed in contact with an outside or inside of the housing, and at least a part of the outside or inside of the housing may be covered with a thermally conductive member.

Abstract: A discharge electrode E in an electrode chamber C is formed of a pair of electrode members 8 and 9 having lengths equal to or greater than a width of a film F. Also, the pair of electrode members 8 and 9 are disposed facing each other so as to sandwich a support member 4 there-between, which has nearly the same length as to electrode members; a gap is formed in a section in which the pair of electrode members 8 and 9 face each other; and this gap is open at a tip of the discharge electrode so as to serve as a gas pathway 15. Meanwhile, in the aforementioned support member 4, a plurality of gas guiding holes 5 are formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and the gas guiding holes are in communication with a gas supplying system.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a charging member, a first power supply circuit which supplies electric power to the charging member, a detector configured to detect a current value of an alternating current which flows to the charging member, and a controller configured to control an operation of the first power supply circuit. The controller is configured to lower a frequency of alternating-current power supplied to the charging member by the first power supply circuit when the current value detected by the detector in application of a voltage of a prescribed value to the charging member by the first power supply circuit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Techniques for predicting and detecting produce quality may be provided. For example, visual or infrared characteristics of a produce item (e.g., skin, shape, wrinkles, and other characteristics of an apple, pepper, etc.) may be compared with ripeness characteristics of the type of produce item (e.g., other apples or peppers). The ripeness characteristics may correspond with the type of produce item at different stages of ripeness along a ripeness regression (e.g., a timeline of the produce item from raw to rotten). One or more ripeness scores of the produce item may be determined along a timeline (e.g., raw at day 1, rotten at day 10, etc.), so that when a user requests a produce item corresponding with a particular ripeness score, the produce item can be provided to the user based in part on the visual or infrared characteristics of the produce item and ripeness regression.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a sorting apparatus for sorting potato products that are moved in a product flow through a detection zone, whereby irregular products are detected in the product flow and are separated from the product flow, characterized in that a light beam having a wavelength of in between 350 and 450 nm is directed towards said products in said detection zone and wherein the intensity of the light that is irradiated by the products is detected in a detection band from 460 nm to 600 nm, wherein a product is qualified as an irregular product and is separated from the product flow when said intensity is below a predetermined value. Further, the invention also concerns a method and a device for detecting the presence of solanine in potato products by means of fluorescence.

Abstract: A blowing device includes a blower and an air duct including an inlet, an outlet, and a body. The outlet faces a longitudinal portion of an oblong target structure toward which air is blown. The outlet allows air to be discharged in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction in which the longitudinal portion extends. The inlet has an opening and the outlet has an oblong opening, and the opening of the inlet and the opening of the outlet having different shapes. The body has a passage space formed therein. Plural restraining portions that restrain airflow are disposed at different positions in the passage space in the direction of airflow. A most downstream one of the restraining portions is formed so as to at least partially cover the passage space with an air-permeable member having plural air passage portions that are distributed the air-permeable member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) in a sealed container having a selected working gas and an object to be treated is described. A variety of working gas mixtures including air, O2, N2, CO2, He and Ar, in combination with a range of ionization gradients, voltages and ANEP column lengths was investigated so as to establish effective ranges of the variables using the sterilization of a sample as a measure of effectiveness. Certain combinations of working gas, voltage gradient, voltage and ANEP column length were found to have greater effectiveness. The approach may be used for food products, medical equipment, or other objects where treatment with reactive gas atmospheres is effective.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device for irradiating surfaces is provided. The device may include a radiation emitter having a radiation emitter vessel, wherein the radiation emitter vessel has at least one tunnel-like passage; and a structure configured to allow a process gas to flow through the at least one tunnel-like passage.

Abstract: In an ion generator, a flexible discharge electrode 44 composed of one wire is provided to a base 43, and a turning motion of a free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 about a fixed end 44a of the discharge electrode 44 is performed by repulsive force of a corona discharge generated by supplying a high voltage to the fixed end 44a. Therefore, in comparison with a discharge electrode composed of a bundle of thin wires, it is possible to significantly reduce dust emission from the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44, and to further improve the ion generator 30 in maintenance interval. Since the discharge electrode 44 is compose of one wire, it is possible to reduce the discharge electrode 44 in size, easily observe the state of the discharge electrode 44, and simplify its maintenance. Since the discharge electrode 44 performs a turning motion, it is possible to transport the generated air ions EI to a wide area of a packaging film 10, and to enhance ionizing efficiency.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Objects are sorted according to specific gravity by illuminating the objects with near-infrared light with different wavelengths. Measurement of the light absorbed by each object at the different wavelengths permits a dry matter content of the object to be determined. Specific gravity can then be determined using a predetermined correlation between dry matter content and specific gravity. A sorting mechanism responsive to determination of specific gravity by the controller separates the food objects into at least two different groups corresponding to different specific gravity.

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.

Abstract: A corona wire cartridge includes: a reel around which a corona wire is wound; a reel holder that rotatably supports the reel; a casing having a receiving portion which receives the reel and the reel holder and a wire drawing opening through which the corona wire is drawn; and an elastic member that movably connects the casing to the reel holder.

Abstract: Methods of altering charge on a dielectric material involve application of an at least weakly conductive liquid to at least a portion of the dielectric material. The liquid is then at least partially removed from the dielectric material leaving a substantially uniform electrostatic charge on at least the portion of the dielectric material. Some methods provide a dielectric material that is both net neutral and completely neutral. Other methods generate a charge pattern that is used for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.

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.

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.

Abstract: A multiple function atmospheric pressure ion source interfaced to a mass spectrometer comprises multiple liquid inlet probes configured such that the sprays from two or more probes intersect in a mixing region. Gas phase sample ions or neutral species generated in the spray of one probe can react with reagent gas ions generated from one or more other probes by such ionization methods as Electrospray, photoionization, corona discharge and glow discharge ionization. Reagent ions may be optimally selected to promote such processes as Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization of neutral sample molecules, or charge reduction or electron transfer dissociation of multiply charged sample ions. Selected neutral reagent species can also be introduced into the mixing region to promote charge reduction of multiply charged sample ions through ion-neutral reactions. Different operating modes can be performed alternately or simultaneously, and can be rapidly turned on and off under manual or software control.

Abstract: A vent hood is disclosed. The vent hood includes an enclosure having an inlet and a fluid passage, a first stage fluid moving device disposed adjacent to the inlet and configured to provide a substantially uniform inflow of fluid across the inlet, and a second stage fluid moving device disposed within the enclosure and downstream of the first stage fluid moving device.

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.

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.

Abstract: Electrophotographic charging devices and methods for charging a receptor with a solid state charging device are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid state charging device can include a dielectric layer, a first electrode disposed adjacent to a first surface of the dielectric layer, and a second electrode having a first surface disposed adjacent to a second surface of the dielectric layer. The solid state charging device can further include a plurality of nanostructures each having an end in electrical contact with a second surface of the second electrode. The exemplary solid state charging devices including the nanostructures can use less voltage than conventional charging devices, produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx, and/or operate at a lower temperature.

Abstract: Electrophotographic charging devices that can be used to charge or discharge, for example, a receptor in the electrophotographic process are provided. According to various embodiments, the exemplary charging devices can include a coronode disposed opposing and spaced apart from a receptor, and a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures has an end, edge, or side in electrical contact with the coronode. The exemplary charging devices including the nanostructures can use less power, i.e. voltage and/or current than conventional charging devices and produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx. The nanostructures can serve to increase the intensity of the local electric fields for more efficient charge generation at reduced voltages.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A wire tensioning mechanism for tensioning a wire having an end one and an end two in a machine in which the wire has a means for attachment on end two and is fixed to the machine at end one, comprises a slide block, and a spring. The slide block is slidably mounted to the machine at end two of the wire, such that the slide block slides parallel to the wire. The slide block has a slot which is wider than the wire but narrower than the means for attachment, such that when the slide block is mounted on the machine, the wire end two can be slid into the slot such that pulling the slide block in the direction away from the wire forces the means for attachment against the slot, but does not allow the means for attachment to pass through. The slot is lined up with the wire such that when the wire is in tension, there are no side loads on the means for attachment.

Abstract: The corotron wire of a corotron device is introduced with a retainer element, such as in a printer or copier. At least one corotron wire is held by the retainer element and the carrier material for a latent image residing there opposite is conducted past the corotron wire. The carrier material and the corotron wire lie in planes arranged substantially parallel to one another. The retainer element lies on bearings at at least two bearing points, the bearings being rigidly connected to the guide element and pressed onto the bearings with a spring power. A method is also provided for introducing the corotron wire of a corotron device with assistance of the retainer element.

Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Within the wire module, the wire is placed between a movable member and a stationary member. Tension is placed on the wire and adjusted until the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met. Once the desired tension and/or vibrational frequency is met, the wire is clamped between the movable and stationary members within the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.

Abstract: In an ion generating apparatus, an electric field for generating ion is obtained between an electrode needle 3 and a counter electrode plate 4. A surface discharge path A (passing through an air discharge port 13a) which has the shortest distance between the electrode needle 3 and the counter electrode plate 4 and a surface discharge path B (not passing through the air discharge port 13a) are created. Distances of the surface discharge paths A and B are substantially enlarged by means of two flanges 17 provided on a sleeve 906 and a flange 19 provided on an end of an outer cylindrical portion of an electrode unit 8.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide a technique for significantly reducing capacitance effects in detector electrodes arising due to movement of the instrument relative to the item/location being monitored in ion detection based techniques. The capacitance variations are rendered less significant by placing an electrically conducting element between the detector electrodes and the monitored location/item. Improved sensitivity and reduced noise signals arise as a result. The technique also provides apparatus and method suitable for monitoring elongate items which are unsuited to complete enclosure in one go within a chamber. The items are monitored part by part as the pass through the instrument, so increasing the range of items or locations which can be successfully monitored.

Abstract: A corona treating apparatus has an electrically conductive electrode housing with a downwardly opening channel, within which are adjustably positioned a number of conductive electrode segments. Each segment has a stem which extends into the channel, and a foot which extends below the channel and which overlies an electrically conductive electrode roller, over which the material to be treated travels. Top springs extend into bores in the top of the electrode segments, and ball detents extend through the housing to urge against slots on one side of the segments. Each electrode segment stem has a first lip which engages with an upper ledge when the segment is in a retracted position, and a second lip which engages with a lower ledge on the opposite wall when the segment is in an active position. Pushing upwardly on one sideward flange of an electrode foot readily changes the position of each segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating paper web materials with a plasma, said apparatus comprising a dark space generated by a treatment electrode in a treatment zone. There is a counter electrode having a surface area in said treatment zone which is not greater than a surface area of said counter electrode. A power supply is included for driving either said treatment electrode or said counter electrode with an oscillating high voltage at a frequency less than about 2 MHz and greater than 1/tc where tc is the charging time of a web surface exposed to a rms ion current in the plasma.

Abstract: A corona cartridge for charging a photoreceptor in high-speed electrophotographic applications may include a comb-like corona charging device electronically connected to operate with the photoreceptor, and one or more excess comb-like corona charging devices stored on a shaft or in a dispenser that may be advanced automatically to replace the electronically connected corona charging device when it wears out. The number of excess comb-like corona charging devices (including the electronically connected corona charging device) may be tailored to last as long as the photoreceptor, which may run many months even in high-use operations. Accordingly, the high-speed electrophotographic applications may need to be serviced only when the photoreceptor wears out, thus significantly reducing the maintenance frequency without the side effect of increased ozone production, as in the case of wire-type corona charging devices.

Abstract: An aura detection system for detecting pathogens through the detection of a specific aura signature of the pathogen or a creature carrying the pathogen. The system includes a transmitter for generating high frequency waves to produce an electrical field, the transmitter including generating means for generating a high frequency electrical field, a receiver for monitoring the high frequency electrical field generated by the transmitter, and a processor for processing the signals from the antenna array of the receiver. The transmitter and the receiver are spaced with a space therebetween for receiving an organism.

Abstract: A corona cartridge for charging a photoreceptor in high-speed electrophotographic applications may include a comb-like corona charging device electronically connected to operate with the photoreceptor, and one or more excess comb-like corona charging devices stored on a shaft or in a dispenser that may be advanced automatically to replace the electronically connected corona charging device when it wears out. The number of excess comb-like corona charging devices (including the electronically connected corona charging device) may be tailored to last as long as the photoreceptor, which may run many months even in high-use operations. Accordingly, the high-speed electrophotographic applications may need to be serviced only when the photoreceptor wears out, thus significantly reducing the maintenance frequency without the side effect of increased ozone production, as in the case of wire-type corona charging devices.

Abstract: A treater system includes a conductive roller electrode that supports a moving web that is to be treated. One or more active electrode assemblies mounted to support headers have a pair of active electrodes that are positioned to treat one surface of the web as the web passes over the roller electrode. Air or a gas/gas mixture can be selectively piped to a chamber adjacent the active electrodes and diffused along the length of the discharge surfaces to allow the treater to operate in three distinct modes: corona, chemical corona and atmospheric plasma. The active electrodes are cooled by passing air into and through tubular bodies of the active electrodes.

Abstract: This disclosure is of 1) the utilization of the spectrum from 250 nm to 1150 nm for measurement or prediction of one or more parameters, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wire-type corona charger having a wire electrode disposed between ground electrode plates. The wire electrode is supported by the ends of the plurality of wire electrode supporters which are so arranged that their ends have a curvature equal to arcuately-shaped upper edge of the ground electrode plates. The curvature coincides with one of the curvatures of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the interior surface of the panel faceplate, while the charger is pivoted along the other curvature of the faceplate. The charger can uniformly charge the photoconductive layer and improves the charging efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire strung across the housing, the corona wire having at least one end located in one of the cavities; and (iii) a pin at least partially located inside one of the cavities, the pin fixedly securing the end of corona wire inside the cavity. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes (i) a corona charger housing including at least two cavities; (ii) a corona wire having two ends, the corona wire being strung across the housing, the corona wire having each of its ends located in one of the cavities; (iii) pins at least partially located inside the cavities. The pins fixedly secure the ends of corona wire inside the cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus for a corona wire housing comprising a continuous piece of corona wire mounted in a serpentine fashion around multiple pulleys with a single tension spring tensioning the continuous piece of corona wire and fixed terminals supporting the ends of the wire.