Abstract: A charging apparatus of a printer for charging a photoreceptor medium to a predetermined electric potential which includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated a predetermined distance from the first electrode and facing the photoreceptor medium, the charging apparatus includes a high voltage generating unit for generating a voltage set to the first electrode, a first varister connected to one end of the second electrode, a second varister having one end connected to the first varister in parallel and the other end connected to a ground terminal, a switching unit connected to the second varister in parallel and switched on/off, and an engine controller for controlling a duty of switching on/off of the switching unit to control a voltage maintained at the second electrode. Thus, the structure of a circuit is simplified and the size of the printer can be reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic head handling glove capable of preventing the buildup of static charges and electric charge leakage and capable of withstanding use in clean rooms is described. In the magnetic head handling glove 1 of the present invention, the outer surface alone or both the outer surface and inner surface of a conductive glove 2 are coated with dissipative material 3,4. This results in coating of the conductive glove with materials useable in clean rooms and may suppress possible contamination that can result when a conventional conductive glove, lacking in such coating of dissipative material, is used directly in a clean room. Besides this, the conductive glove 2 is configured to be grounded directly with wire 5. In this way, even an operator prone to the buildup of static charges can be sufficiently prevented from building up static electrical charges and electric charge leakage.

Abstract: The present device eliminates electrostatic discharges when getting out of the car, exploiting the principle of transfer of the surface electric charges by difference of potential. This avoids all the problems caused by electrostatic discharges: sudden explosion of airbags, problems for people with implants of any type and general discomfort caused by said discharges.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an electronic device including electronic circuits, a first connector connected to the electronic circuit, and static electricity removal means, and a control device which includes a plurality of second connectors for connecting the electronic device and which is electrically connected to the static electricity removal means when the electronic device is being inserted and is electrically connected to the electronic device only via the first connector and the second connectors when the electronic device is mounted. Thus, it is possible to gradually discharge the static electricity when the electronic device is inserted into the control apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air ionization device comprising a high voltage line which can be connected to an AC voltage power source and point electrodes which are coupled capacitively to the high voltage line for generating a corona discharge.

Abstract: A device places a charge on an object passing by and proximate to the device in a first direction along a transport axis. The device includes a body having a surface. A power input is disposed in the body. A plurality of resistors each have a longitudinal resistor axis and each are capable of receiving power from the power input. Each of the plurality of resistors is disposed in the body with the longitudinal resistor axis being generally parallel to the surface. An ionizing pin is electrically connected to each of the plurality of resistors for receiving power to generate ions. The object is charged by passing the object by and proximate to the surface of the body in the first direction to receive ions generated by the plurality of ionizing pins. The device provides a relatively long object dwell time, thereby increasing the amount of time that the area of the object is exposed to an ion stream from the device.

Abstract: A passive device for the detection and indication of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations and static electricity is provided. The device is especially designed to be applied to or integrated in an anti-radiation/anti-static/anti-reflection filter intended to block the aforementioned emissions, particularly in devices with cathode ray tubes(CRT).

Abstract: A low voltage method and system for controlling electrically activated microelectromechanical (MEM) actuators such as electrostatic comb actuators in reflective microstructure positioning systems are provided. In one embodiment, a low voltage control system (110) includes a single fixed DC voltage source (14) and a plurality of variable DC voltage sources (16). The fixed DC voltage source (14) is electrically connected to commonly connected first terminals (12a) of a plurality of MEM actuators (12) between the MEM actuators (12) and a reference potential (18). Each variable DC voltage source (16) is associated with a separate MEM actuator (12) and is electrically connected between the reference potential (18) and a second terminal (12b) of its associated MEM actuator (12). The fixed DC voltage source supplies a fixed DC voltage that is common to the MEM actuators (12). Each variable DC source (16) supplies a controllable DC voltage to its associated MEM actuator (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a static-electricity absorbing mat for access floors which is attached to the upper side of the access floors, each structured such that cables including electrical lines and communication lines are positioned throughout channels at the underside of the access floor. The mat comprises an insulating resin layer constituting the upper part of the static-electricity absorbing mat, and a conductive sheet integrally attached to the underside of the insulating resin layer. Furthermore, the mat has advantages of low construction cost and securing a static-electricity preventing effect without worry of scratching or staining.

Abstract: An ionizer creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions are directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment and downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a corona electrode, a counterelectrode, a corona-free dc bias electrode, and a control circuit. The corona electrode has a negative polarity. The counterelectrode has an ion collecting surface. The corona-free dc bias electrode has a positive polarity. The control circuit controls the output of the corona-free electrode so as to cause a balanced flow of positive and negative ions to be emitted from the ionizer and directed towards the workspace or target. In this manner, a static-free environment is created at the workspace or target.

Abstract: This present invention is embodied in a system and a method for protecting an electrically-inactive component of a microsystem from an ESD event. The invention includes embodiments that protect the microsystem from ESD events that directly strike an electrically-inactive component and that are external to the electrically-inactive component. These embodiments include an ESD dissipation device having a connected chain of electrically-inactive components that are electrically floating as well as embodiments whereby the electrically-inactive components are held at the same potential as an electrical component. Furthermore, these embodiments include a sacrificial ESD breakdown device that provides a preferential ESD breakdown site away from the protected component and embodiments that provide a capacitively coupled thin-film layers that provide shielding to an electrically-inactive component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld work apparatus which is driven by a drive motor (1) having electrical ground (4). The drive motor (1) is configured especially as a spark-ignition engine (2). The work apparatus includes handles (5, 33) of electrically insulating material. A grounding element (6) is provided in the surface of the handle and this grounding element is conductively connected to the electrical ground (4) of the motor (1).

Abstract: A wafer stage 2 for holding a semiconductor wafer in a plasma treatment apparatus by setting the wafer on the wafer stage, said wafer stage 2 comprising a base material 26 equipped with refrigerant flow paths for allowing a refrigerant for temperature adjustment to flow; a stress-reducing member 28 provided on the wafer setting side of said base material 26 and having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than does said base material; a dielectric film 30 provided on the wafer setting side of said stress-reducing member; and a deflection-preventing member 29 provided on the wafer non-setting side of said base material and having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than does said base material. When the wafer stage is used, the temperature of the wafer as a substrate to be processed can be controlled uniformly and very accurately.

Abstract: An improved method enables preparation of articles for a variety of applications, including embossing or otherwise shaping to form a variety of articles. A plurality of thin, preferably resin-impregnated, flexible graphite sheets are arranged to form zones in a composite material having a graded density or other characteristic. Variation of properties between zones in the stock material formed is useful for achieving a desired set of properties in the formation of articles such as those useful in electrochemical fuel cells and double-layer capacitors.

Abstract: An air tweezer capable of efficiently performing an operation in which an article with a very small size, such as a pico slider or a femto slider, is sucked and set at a predetermined position of a suspension, and having countermeasures against ESD.

Abstract: A control circuit for an ionizer controls an output of at least one of a positive voltage direct current (DC) power supply (PS) and a negative voltage DC PS. Each PS is connected to at least one ionizing pin. The control circuit controls the output of the power supplies so as to cause a flow of positive and negative ions from the ionizer and directed towards a target. The control circuit includes a positive PS return current sense resistor that biases the negative voltage PS to decrease the output of the negative voltage PS when the current detected by the positive sense resistor increases and to increase the output of the negative voltage PS when the current detected by the positive sense resistor decreases. The control circuit includes a similar negative PS return current sense resistor and associated bias circuitry for controlling the negative voltage power supply.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a housing made of a near insulative material. The near insulative material has a resistance to current flow in the presence of low voltage current and has a surface resistivity which allows sufficient current flow to dissipate static electrical charges. The housing has a surface resistivity level within the range of 104 to 1010 ohms per square, and preferably within the range of 105 to 108 ohms per square. The material used for the housing has negligible current flow in the presence of low voltage current such as when the conductor is conducting signals or electricity during normal operations. The current flow is in an amount sufficient to dissipate a static charge on the housing to a level where placing the jumper onto a set of pins will not produce a failure in a microchip electrically coupled to the jumper.

Abstract: A static charge is produced on surfaces of superimposed, flat articles (2) by passing the superimposed articles (2) through an electric d.c. voltage field that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the principal surfaces of the articles. Due to the charging, electric forces of attraction between the surfaces of the articles increase the mutual adhesion of the flat articles. The effect of the static charging is reduced or prevented for at least one of two surfaces participating at a predetermined separation point, by treating the surface beforehand with an anti-static agent (3). Due to the anti-static agent there is little or no charge concentration on the surface such that there is little or no increase in adhesion at the separation point. Thus, at the separation point it is possible to displace the articles against one another with much smaller force expenditure than is required to displace the articles at non-separation points.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a substrate including a dielectric substrate, a support member having a first end and a second end between which said member extends substantially parallel to said substrate, a row of electrodes distributed over the support member between the first and second ends, said electrodes extending from the support member in the direction of the substrate, the electrodes having a free end for spraying a charge on the substrate, each free end having a substantially fixed distance from the substrate, wherein the distance in the case of the electrode located at the first and second end of the support member differs substantially from the distance in the case of the electrode located in the middle of the support member.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention elates to a method of reducing electrostatic charges on a patterned photoresist to improve evaluation of the developed photoresist, involving the steps of evaluating the patterned photoresist to determine if electrostatic charges exist thereon; positioning an ionizer near the patterned photoresist, the ionizer generating ions thereby reducing the electrostatic charges on the patterned photoresist; and evaluating the patterned photoresist with an electron beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns an active discharge electrode (5) for minimizing positive and/or negative charges on moving material webs. The active discharge electrode (5) comprises a plurality of needle-shaped individual electrodes (8) which are disposed mutually parallel and can be connected to a high-voltage source, preferably a high-voltage transformer. The active discharge electrode (5) further comprises at least one earthing conductor (11) extending at right angles to and along the plurality of individual electrodes (8).

Abstract: An ionizer that creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment, such as an environment of substantially nitrogen. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions is directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a counterelectrode, a positive ion emitter, a negative ion emitter, and a control circuit. The counterelectrode has at least two spatially isolated collecting surfaces. The positive and negative ion emitters are spatially isolated from each other so that the outputs of each of the emitters do not reach the other emitter.

Abstract: A grounding mat for connection to a power source, having a sheet including an outer perimeter and a central area. The outer perimeter surrounds the central area. A single continuous conductive member is attached to the sheet, the continuous conductive member having two unitary portions. The one portion is disposed in the central area of the sheet in a grid pattern, and the other portion is disposed in the outer perimeter of the sheet in a border pattern surrounding the one portion. The continuous conductive member has a connection end portion for electrical connection to the power source.

Abstract: A device is provided for discharging static electricity between a person and an grounded object to prevent unpleasant static shock to the person includes an insulated housing supporting a first contact arranged for manual engagement, a second contact for contacting the grounded object and a conductor of high resistance therebetween for allowing transmission of current at a rate which is sufficiently low to avoid shock. The device is in one arrangement a manually transportable element such as a key-holder where connection to the person is effected through the keys and key ring, a bracelet, a pen or the like which has an ancillary function so that it is regularly carried by the person. In an alternative arrangement, the device is provided on an object such as a door handle presented toward the person where the manually engageable contact comprises a pad presented forwardly of the grounded object such as the door.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch may be employed on or with an enclosure including an access panel. The electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch includes a latch for retaining the access panel in a closed position. The latch may be disengaged by operation of a latch release member which functions to effect release or disengagement of the latch. A conductor receptacle is attached to the enclosure, typically in the proximity of the access panel. An electrostatic discharge prevention device including a ground strap and a conductive terminal are provided for use by an individual desiring to gain access through the access panel to service enclosed components or circuits. When the conductive terminal is inserted into the conductor receptacle, a latch release member is displaced disengaging the latch.

Abstract: A structure of an electrostatic resistant hand ring. A buckling component is installed on a conductive belt, the buckling component is formed by an upper cover and a lower cover. One side of the upper cover is connected to the lower cover. While the opposite side is installed with a buckling ring, another two sides are installed with a first hanging ring and a second hanging ring, respectively. A pillar is installed in a proper place within the upper cover, and another pillar is installed in a proper place within the lower cover. The two pillars are not at the same position. A buckling portion is installed in a lower cover in a place with respect to the buckling ring. The conductive belt passes through the first and second hanging rings, then passes around the pin within the body of the conductive belt, and then enters into the buckling component to be connected by the upper cover and the lower cover so as to be clamped by the two pillars and is therefore fixed.

Abstract: The present invention improves on prior art apparatus and method primarily intended as lightning protection systems to be used on sailboats, particularly non-metallic hulled sailboats having one or more electrically conductive masts, by providing a temporary, easily installed electrically conductive clamping device which attaches to an electrically conductive mast in such a fashion as to not require any mechanical modification to the mast or any of its parts generally but not exclusively, in the form of machining, drilling, tapping, grinding or cutting. In the preferred embodiment, the temporary lightning protection device is comprised of at least one electrically conductive contact plate sufficiently large to offer an appropriate electrically conductive contact surface, held together on the mast generally but not exclusively by a flexible clamping device and holding straps.

Abstract: Grounding straps for removing static electricity from the wearer. More particularly, the straps have a conductive interior and an anti-static or static dissipative exterior. The anti-static exterior has an electrical resistance of between 106 and 1012 ohms which will not create static electricity when rubbed and will not wear off with use.

Abstract: An apparatus for redirecting electrostatic discharge currents includes a reference voltage member and an ESD susceptible system component. The ESD susceptible system component is electrically connected to the reference voltage member. An ESD receiving member is electrically connected to the reference voltage member. The ESD receiving member includes an ESD receiving portion positioned adjacent to the ESD susceptible system component. The ESD receiving member may be effectively used as a cost-effective stop gap solution in the manufacture of an electronic device adversely affected by electrostatic discharge until a long term solution is designed and implemented.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge device adapted to be mounted to an electrical fixture wallplate is disclosed. The discharge device consists of a circuit having at least a resistor and preferably a non-linear discharge component mounted on an electrical fixture wallplate. Another embodiment has an electrical discharge circuit built within an electrical switch.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide an ionizer that has been improved to allow reduction of ripples and of balance shift without degrading the capability of an ionizer. A grounded ground electrode that makes contact with the ions for capturing a portion of the ions is provided in the vicinity of a discharge electrode. Means for changing the area of contact between ground electrode and the ions is provided.

Abstract: A multilayered structural element which is useful for forming housings for electronic devices such as cellular telephones. The multilayered structural element has sequentially attached layers: (a) thin, flexible polymeric outer film layer, (b) an electronic interface layer, the electronic interface layer comprising a thin, flexible polymeric film layer having a pattern of electrically conductive lines on at least one side thereof; (c) a rigid structural layer; (d) an electromagnetic interference shielding layer; and (e) an optional protective layer.

Abstract: The invention is an electrostatic charge resistant instrument system comprising at least one instrument, a lead extending from the instrument, and at least one connector associated with the lead. In accordance with the invention, each component of the instrument system is made to have an electrically grounded conductive outer surface so that electrostatic charges are prevented from building up substantially throughout the entire instrument system. A lead of the system can be made to have a conductive outer surface by forming about the lead a flexible conductive housing provided by at least one small diametered wire arranged to encircle the lead a plurality of times in a spiral, mesh or braided mesh configuration. Conductive outer surfaces of instruments and connectors, meanwhile, may be provided by forming the instruments and connectors of the system from conductive polymeric materials containing a polymeric base material and conductive fibers and or particles embedded therein.

Abstract: A HANDS-FREE device is provided to protect against electrostatic discharges. Ths device is formed by a band, preferably rectangular, of a semiconducting flexible material. The band or strip has on the area of one end thereof a clip for attachment to a garment worn by the user, while also attached to this clip is the end of an electrical cable that is connected to an electrical connection box that is grounded.

Abstract: A personal grounding system for collecting and removing unnatural electrical charges from a human body includes a grounding pad having a layer of carbon fibers, and a conductor substantially extending across the layer in conductive contact with the carbon fibers. A ground lead is conductively coupled to the grounding pad conductor at one end thereof and conductively coupled to a grounded anchor at a second end thereof. Preferably, the grounded anchor is placed directly into the earth, although in certain applications constitutes a metal grounding component. The system may include a wall plate in conductive connection with the grounded anchor. The ground lead is removably attached to the wall plate via a connector attached thereto. The grounding pad may be configured to be a sleeping pad, seat pad, or strap or patch attachable to the human body.

Abstract: A snap-on type earthing clip terminal clamps a mounting plate on opposite first and second faces thereof while engaging an engaging claw in a through hole of the mounting plate. The terminal possesses a terminal body to which an electric wire is connected. A primary pressure strip is formed by cutting and bending up a portion of the terminal body excluding an auxiliary pressure strip with the engaging claw. A pressing portion of the primary pressure strip resiliently presses the first face of the mounting plate in an insertion space. Consequently, the terminal body and the auxiliary pressure strip closely contact the second face of the mounting plate.

Abstract: The invention provides an ESD-protected interface panel. A signal board has one or more circuit layers and at least one button switch on a first side of the board. An electrical output (e.g., an electrical cable and/or connector) connects in circuit with the board and switch, and the signal board generates signals on the electrical output indicative of activation of the button switch. An ESD protection layer covers the button switch and substantially all of the first side. The ESD layer is deformable to human touch to activate the switch therethrough. The ESD layer electrically couples with one or more contacts covering at least part of the second side, such that ESD generated by the human touch is routed to chassis ground connected to the contacts. Preferably, the ESD layer bends around edges of the signal board to form the contacts in a single conductive layer. An indication layer, e.g.

Abstract: A shield for protecting electrostatic discharge sensitive components from static electricity. The shield includes a screen formed of a static electricity dissipative material. A housing is provided from which and to which the screen can be extended and retracted. A motor may be incorporated in the shield to extend and retract the screen. Eyebolts are included for hanging and anchoring the shield. In an alternative embodiment, the shield is hung on a stand having a bracket with a hook.

Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for grounding an electrostatic discharge device of an integrated circuit to dissipate electrostatic charges comprising an underlying dielectric layer disposed over capacitor plates of sensor circuitry and a conductive layer disposed over the underlying dielectric layer, wherein the conductive layer diffuses electrostatic charges at the surface of the integrated circuit to ground. The conductive material not only dissipates electrostatic charges to the ground, but may also protect at least a portion of the edge of the sensor chip from mechanical stress.

Abstract: An ionizing bar assembly having a plastic housing with two individual ionizing electrode modules disposed on opposite sides. The ionizing electrode modules each include a plurality of printed circuit boards having signal traces thereon with ionizing electrodes or pins extending therefrom. The printed circuit boards are electrically coupled together by conductive rods or tubing positioned adjacent to the traces on the boards and soldered at various positions along the traces. The ionizing electrode modules are placed at opposing angles and are offset laterally from each other in such a way that the ionizing electrodes or pins extending from one module are located between the ionizing electrodes or pins extending from the opposite module, with the tips of each aligned along a common central linear axis.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus for transporting components (240) sensitive to electrostatic discharge includes an electically conductive cart (220), an electrically conductive pad (231) coupled to the electrically conductive floor to ground the cart, an electrically conductive cable (232) coupled to the cart, and a fastening device (233) coupling the pad to the cable. The cart transports the components across an electrically conductive floor (200) from one location to another while the cart remains grounded by the electrically conductive pad.

Abstract: Spark-resistant structure for use with aircraft, including a sheet-shaped external element made of a composite material with an exterior face bearing an electrically conducting surface layer for dissipating lightning energy. The external element also has an interior face. The structure further includes a sheet-shaped internal element with exterior and interior faces. The interior face of the external element is least partially superimposed on the exterior face of said internal element. Each element has holes which are aligned with each other. The structure also includes a fixing structure for holding the elements together in a fixed position passing through the aligned holes and forming an alignment. The fixing structure electrically contacts the conducting surface layer. Additionally, a first electrically conducting strip is positioned under the conducting surface layer of the external element, and it extends longitudinally in a direction of the alignment of the fixing structure.

Abstract: A membrane switch structure providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection has three layers of insulating material, including two outer layers containing on their inside opposing surfaces printed conductive circuit patterns which may be selectively brought into electrical contact with each other through contact apertures provided in an intermediate insulting layer. An ESD protection circuit is provided in close proximity to at least one of the two outer layers, e.g., by printing the pattern on a backside of one of the outer layers in the same manner that printing of the circuit pattern is carried out. The ESD protection circuit pattern replicates, at least generally, all or a portion of the layout of the conductive circuit patterns. The ESD protection circuit can be efficiently fabricated and offers effective protection of the membrane switches from ESD events that can cause device operation problems in, for example, computer keyboards.

Abstract: A connector for use with fabric, such as when formed into a garment, employs a first connector secured to the fabric and a second mating connector associated with an external device. The connectors, when joined, pass electrical signals such as audio or data signals between the external device and the garment.

Abstract: A drive belt system comprises a drive belt that is conductive. The drive belt system further comprises ground coupling means, such as a conductive brush or rubbing material, arranged for coupling the drive belt to ground. As a result, arcing in the drive belt system is reduced.

Abstract: Circuit and circuit carries include a dielectric substrate having a conductive layer mounted thereon. The conductive layer is patterned to define a plurality of spaced apart conductive elements. A static charge dissipative layer is in contact with and extending between at least two of the conductive elements. The static charge dissipative layer has a surface resistivity of between about 1×105 and about 1×1010 ohms/□. The static charge dissipative layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of diamond-like carbon, silicon nitride, boron nitride, boron trifluoride, silicon carbide and silicon dioxide. Circuits and circuit carriers according to the present invention allow static charges to be controllably and reliably dissipated from a surface of the circuit or circuit carrier such that the potential for damage from static discharge to electrical components connected to the circuit is reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a footwear grounding device to reduce static charge buildup on personnel handling electronic components and products that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. The device incorporates a conductive strap having reusable adhesive elements near one end which permit proper positioning of the strap in the user's shoe and prevent the strap from shifting out of said position during the course of the day.

Abstract: A photomask (1) comprises a transmissive base plate (2) a first side of which is provided with a layer of a metallic mask material (4). In this layer, a mask pattern (5) is formed which is enclosed by an inner region (6) and an outer region (7) of mask material, the inner region and the outer region being separated by a ring-shaped protection area (8). In this protection area, a protection pattern (9) is formed having tracks (10) with end portions (11) situated near the inner and outer regions and at a distance (12) therefrom, which distance is small compared to the smallest distance between pattern parts in the mask pattern (5). The photomask is thus protected against electrostatic discharges, which could damage the mask pattern.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge garment is formed from material having a grid of conductors for conducting static electricity. The conductors are overlapped at the seams of the garment and interconnected with conductive flat ribbons that extend throughout the garment. The garment also has external grounding fasteners which are joined to the grid and ribbons. A hole is formed in the garment at the site of each fastener. Each hole extends through the fabric, grid, and ribbons. An epoxy applicator injects a small amount of conductive epoxy adjacent to the hole and saturates the various elements. The fastener is then installed while the epoxy is still wet. After the epoxy cures, a flexible but resilient joint is formed between it, the fastener, the grid, and the ribbon.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes a semiconductor chip, bonding pads on the semiconductor chip, a metal lead frame containing electrically with the semiconductor chip, a plurality of wired pins wire-bonded respectively to the bonding pads, and at least one non-wired pin. The non-wired pin is wire-bonded to the metal lead frame to prevent electrostatic discharge failure of the integrated circuit package due to electrostatic discharge stressing of the non-wired pin.