Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating and controlling flows of positive and negative air ions includes interposing isolated sets of electrodes in a flowing air stream to separately produce positive and negative ions. The rates of separated production of positive and negative ions are sensed to control ionizing voltages applied to electrodes that produce the ions. Variations from a balance condition of substantially equal amounts of positive and negative ions flowing in the air stream are also sensed to alter bias voltage applied to a grid electrode through which the air stream and ions flow.

Abstract: A charging member for charging a member to be charged and an image forming apparatus provided with the same have electrically conductive particles and an electrically conductive particle bearing member having elasticity and bearing the electrically conductive particles thereon, and the degree of cohesion of the electrically conductive particles is 0.1 to 85%. Thereby, the non-uniformity of a halftone image peculiar to particle charging can be improved.

Abstract: A charging apparatus has a movable image bearing member, a first charging member for charging the image bearing member, and a second charging member provided upstream of the first charging member with respect to the direction of movement of the image bearing member, the second charging member having an elastic rotary member rubbing against the image bearing member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an electrical charge to a charge retentive surface, wherein a bias charge roll member is situated proximately to a surface to be charged such as, a photoreceptor. The bias contact roll member is supplied with an electrical bias including an oscillating voltage signal having, in one mode of operation, a clipped AC input voltage and in a second mode, an unclipped AC input voltage.

Abstract: A multiple layer web is provided with an electrostatic charge for the purpose of adhering the multiple webs to each other. A pair of oppositely charged rollers contact the surface of the multiple layer printing aper web and impart the charge to the web. The pair of oppositely charged rollers are positioned directly before a cylinder folding group of a web-fed rotary printing press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying potential problems within systems having rotating biased components. The system employs diagnostics to the rotating biased components to provide status feedback to the machine's control unit when any type of bias fault has occurred. The system then responds to this fault signal making it possible to stop operation and alert the machine operator. The present invention also discloses a method for detecting open load, over load, shorted load and intermittent contact with the load or arcing conditions, as well as power supply output failure in a bias system. A digital signal that may be may be sensed by interrupt or sampling methods and filtered appropriately with software is provided to a machine control system. The result is that bias failures may be detected automatically by machine control. The system also provides a method to alert the operator service personnel on which area of the machine to service.

Abstract: Auto-adhesive display film comprising at least one electrically charged, dielectric layer (2). A screen layer (3), which is adapted to form a barrier to the electric field, is fixed to one surface of the dielectric layer (2). This display support does not attract dust particles and is specifically adapted to be printed sheet by sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying an electrical charge to a photoreceptor wherein a bias charge roll member is situated in contact or in close proximity with a surface of a member to be charged such as a photoreceptor. The bias charge roll member is supplied with an electrical bias having a variable voltage waveform onto which a DC bias is superimposed. The amount of DC bias is selected to set the signal voltage such that a minimally acceptable amount of AC corona is created sufficient for uniform photoreceptor charging while avoiding unnecessary excessive positive corona that causes excessive photoreceptor wear.

Abstract: A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 106 S/cm is used to form conductive films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conductive threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium then may be solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane.

Abstract: A manually switchable corona electrode array and method of operation for use in a corona treater station. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an electrode array which incorporates in its structure a low pressure conduit system for providing a low pressure field in the vicinity of the corona field, in order to remove ozone and other contaminants generated by the corona field. The electrode array further includes means to quickly and easily urge the array from a first position, wherein the array is situated adjacent to the treatment area, to a second position, removed from the treatment area, so as to facilitate maintenance and spooling of the material to the treated therethrough. The present invention provides a more compact footprint than traditional systems, as well as providing an ozone removal system requiring a cheaper, less powerful exhaust blower for providing the low pressure differential to remove the pollutants, including ozone, from the treatment area.

Abstract: A booster coil is stored in a coil storing room provided in the bottom section of a common case having an opening on one side, and is insulation-molded with a filler. A circuit substrate is inserted into the common case and supported by a supporting edge which is provided circumferentially at the middle of an inner wall of the common case. An ion generating element is held on a lid plate for closing the opening of the common case and mounted on the outer surface of the common case together with this lid plate, and the space between the circuit plate and the ion generating element is insulation-molded with a filler. An ion generator including the ion generating element and the booster coil and circuit substrate for generating a driving voltage is constructed in a compact size so as to enable the ion generator to be readily used in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A device and method for ionization control is provided. The device and method controls the ionization balance using a sensor element, a control circuit that produces output signal as a function of an input signal from the sensor and transmits that output signal to the ionizer being controlled. The device also has a mechanism for detecting rapid changes in the input signal and a mechanism for disabling changes in the control signal for the duration of presence of said rapidly-changing signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying an electrical charge to a photoreceptor wherein a bias charge roll member is situated in contact or in close proximity with a surface of member to be charged such as a photoreceptor. The bias charge roll member is supplied with an electrical bias having a rectified AC waveform onto which a DC bias is superimposed after the waveform has been rectified. The result is the ability to raise the voltage potential of the photoreceptor with less pulse voltage and, more particularly, to increase the voltage potential of the photoreceptor along as if only DC voltage were applied far above what is possible in the prior art. Among the advantages of the invention is the ability to minimize photoreceptor wear at higher levels of photoreceptor charge since the DC-offset bias enables the second Paschen threshold to be avoided for higher levels of the photoreceptor charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a substrate including a dielectric substrate, a support member having a first end and a second end between which the member extends substantially parallel to the substrate, a row of electrodes distributed over the support member between the first and second ends, the 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: Thin glass sheets may be processed in an effective fashion by electrostatically charging the sheets and applying them to an oppositely electrostatically charged carrier sheet. After processing is completed the carrier sheet may be removed and the processed sheet may be applied to its intended application such as to act as the front panel of an electronic display.

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 charging member includes a conductive mandrel, a semiconductive foamed elastic layer provided on the periphery of the mandrel, and a functional double-layer film provided on the periphery of the semiconductive foamed elastic layer. The semiconductive foamed elastic layer is a layer formed by making the mandrel and a semiconductive rubber composition standing uncured and unfoamed pass through a crosshead die of an extruder to set the composition on the periphery of the mandrel, followed by curing and foaming. The semiconductive rubber composition has a Mooney viscosity of from 15 to 30 and has a curing percentage of 40% or less when the foaming pressure reaches 50%. The functional double-layer film is a double-layer tube having a thin layer such that a tube formed out of only the layer is hard to use for covering. Also disclosed are a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus which have such a charging member.

Abstract: Air ionization apparatus includes a plurality of air ionizing electrodes connected to a source of high ionizing voltages, and includes a bias source connected to supply bias voltage to a reference electrode positioned near the air ionizing electrodes to alter the field gradients thereabout to selectively enhance production of positive or negative air ions in response to levels and polarity of bias voltage supplied to the reference electrode.

Abstract: A strain/electrical potential transducer (10) includes a rigid base (12), a rigid beam (18) hinged to the base (12) at (20), an elongate stack (14) of dielectric substance, e.g. piezoelectric material, generally parallel with the beam (18) and hinged to the base at (16), and a rigid link (22) interconnecting ends of the beam and stack remote from the base (12). The transducer can be operated as a displacement generator by applying potential difference to the stack (14) via contacts (15) to strain the stack (14) and to cause amplified, transverse displacement as shown at (32). Conversely, the transducer can be operated as a sensor. Displacement at (32) causes strain in the stack (14) which generates a potential difference at the contacts (15). Composite transducers are disclosed. A manipulating device in the form of an arrangement of displacement generators and use thereof for microscanning are disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser having a reservoir for holding a web characterized by a web dielectric constant and a charging station for charging the web by tribocharging when the web is removed from the reservoir. The charging station has a first charging strip includes a first material having a first dielectric constant different from the web dielectric constant and a contact mechanism for pressing web against the charging strip as the web is removed from the reservoir. The contact mechanism may include a second charging strip having a second material with a second dielectric constant different from the web dielectric constant, the web passing between the first and second charging strips.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical transducer in which an optical element is angularly positioned by electrical field coupling. Movable electrodes of two orthogonally disposed, differential variable capacitors are coupled to the optical element constrained by structural means to angular displacement around two free-axes of rotation. Cooperating stationary capacitor electrodes with surface contoured regions facing the movable electrodes are affixed to the structural means. A thin dielectric layer of high permittivity material provides a region of fixed spacing between the capacitor electrodes. The surface contoured regions constrain the approach of the movable electrodes with angular displacement of the optical element. Both the open-loop gain and the equilibrium voltage-angle response of the transducer is largely independent of displacement. Electrostatic force feedback maintains the optical element at voltage programmed positions of static equilibrium over a wide angular range of tip and tilt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (1) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body in a substantially flowable state, or (2) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as not to completely fill the inner volume thereof, or (3) an electrically conductive member including: a cylindrical base body; and electrically conductive powder sealed inside of the cylindrical base body so as to fill only from 20 to 95% of the inner volume thereof. Moreover, the present invention discloses an image forming apparatus equipped with any of the electrically conductive members.

Abstract: An electrostatic charging device is provided according to which an edged electrode plate can be inserted into and removed from the charging device easily merely by sliding the edged electrode member and cleaning of the electrode edges formed on the edged electrode plate can be cleaned easily. A discharging electrode assembly having a number of tooth-like electrode edges disposed in array is slidable along a guide groove formed in a discharge stabilizing shielding case of an electrostatic charging device. The electrode edges are arranged above a control grid when charging a photosensitive OPC. During maintenance, the discharging electrode assembly is moved sliding along the guide groove by means of an insulating attachment which is then engaged with the edged electrode plate.

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 small quantity of electron attaching gas is introduced into the corona region of an electrical ionizer to stabilize the corona in the otherwise electron non-attaching nitrogen gas. The corona region is closely localized at emitter points so the quantity of electron attaching gas is very small. Clean-dry-air is preferably used as the purge gas but other gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide may be used. The small quantity of electron attaching gas may be introduced either through a hollow needle emitter or an external purge gas (sleeve about the needle, or by using a gas purge nozzle).

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 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: A charging member for charging a member to be charged includes: an electrically conductive member to which a voltage is applicable; and a coating layer that coats the electrically conductive member, in which when a d.c. voltage of |10| to |300| (V) is applied to the electrically conductive member, the following relationship is satisfied: Z/Ra is 0.7 or less, where Z is the standard deviation of a resistance of the charging member, and Ra is an average value of the resistance of the charging member.

Abstract: A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 106 S/cm is used to form conductive films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conductive threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium then may be solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane.

Abstract: A field emission device, which among other things may be used within an ultra-high density storage system, is disclosed. The emitter device includes an emitter electrode, an extractor electrode, and a solid-state field controlled emitter that utilizes a Schottky metal-semiconductor junction or barrier. The Schottky metal-semiconductor barrier is formed on the emitter electrode and electrically couples with the extractor electrode such that when an electric potential is placed between the emitter electrode and the extractor electrode, a field emission of electrons is generated from an exposed surface of the semiconductor layer. Further, the Schottky metal may be selected from typical conducting layers such as platinum, gold, silver, or a conductive semiconductor layer that is able to provide a high electron pool at the barrier.

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 capacitive microphone for generating an output signal which is a function of a capacitance between a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode separated by at least one layer disposed therebetween, wherein the at least one layer includes at least one spacer layer formed from one or more sheets of material. By selecting an appropriate thickness and shape of the spacer layer, the separation between the first and second electrodes can be accurately controlled. Large area microphones can be made by configuring the spacer layer such that it supports one or more central regions of the movable electrode. In one embodiment, the spacer layer is formed from a sheet of polymer material, such as polyester.

Abstract: An ethylene propylene rubber foam which comprises as the crude rubber, an ethylene propylene rubber having an iodine value of 35 to 45 and a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 100° C. of 20 to 50, and which has less compression set and is suitable as a material for a transfer member, a primary transfer member, a secondary transfer member, a cleaning member for image formation bodies, a bias member, a backup member, etc.; an electroconductive ethylene propylene rubber foam which comprises as the crude rubber, an ethylene propylene rubber having an iodine value of 35 to 45 and a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 100° C.

Abstract: A multiple layer paper web is provided with an electrostatic charge for the purpose of adhering the multiple webs to each other. A pair of oppositely charged rollers contact the surface of the multiple layer printing aper web and impart the charge to the web. The pair of oppositely charged rollers are positioned directly before a cylinder folding group of a web-fed rotary printing press.

Abstract: A high intensity light source comprises a solid dielectric sheet having its back surface in contact with a conducting medium, which is electrically conducted to a fixed potential (such as ground) and its front surface free to receive electric charge to be electrostatically bound to the sheet. In one example, the charge is delivered to the surface by a unipolar Corona discharge arrangement having a plurality of Corona sources at different locations over the surface of the sheet. In order to generate a light output from the source, the electric charge build-up on the surface is discharged as an electric discharge by the rapid application of a switchable voltage to at least a localized region of the surface.

Abstract: A micrometer-scaled van de Graaf that may be used to supply electrical current to other micrometer-scaled or nanometer-scaled devices. The van de Graaf includes a moveable component that can oscillate between a charged particle source near a first protrusion and a charged particle drain near a second protrusion. Also, a method of transferring electric charge between the charged particle source and the charged particle drain by using the van de Graaf. Further, a method of manufacturing the micrometer-scaled van de Graaf.

Abstract: A multiple layer paper web is provided with an electrostatic charge for the purpose of adhering the multiple webs to each other. A pair of oppositely charged rollers contact the surface of the multiple layer printing aper web and impart the charge to the web. The pair of oppositely charged rollers are positioned directly before a cylinder folding group of a web-fed rotary printing press.

Abstract: In the charging device, a frequency f(Hz) is set so that a frequency f(Hz) of an AC voltage to be applied to a charging member and a movement rate v(mm/sec) of the surface of an image carrier satisfy f(Hz)≧40(1/mm)·v(mm/sec), the charging device positioned in a non-contact state with the surface of the image carrier.

Abstract: A charging member is provided, in which the electrical resistance is controlled with ease, the electrical resistances are uniform, and the electrical resistance, chemical properties, mechanical properties, etc., are suppressed to change with time so as to exhibit superior durability. The charging member primarily contains 100 parts by weight of at least one kind of polar rubber including at least a nitrile rubber, and further contains at least 0.01 parts by weight or more and 5 parts by weight or less of diazabicycloamine compound and 0.01 parts by weight or more and 10 parts by weight or less of weakly acidic compound.

Abstract: A new charging member which is durable enough to exhibit stable performance over a long period of time without deterioration by the sticking of toner particles. It is characterized by its surface having a universal hardness no higher than 10 N/mm2 at a depth equivalent to the diameter of toner particles.

Abstract: A charging device, suitable for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, is formed of an object to be charged, and a roller-shaped charging member disposed in contact with the object via electroconductive particles and supplied with a voltage to charge the objects. The charging member has a surface layer including an elastic foam and is moved with a surface speed difference relative to the object. The charging member has surface cavities having an average diameter of 5 to 150 &mgr;m and occupying an area percentage of 50 to 90%. An image forming apparatus and a process cartridge therefor including the charging device are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 106 S/cm is used to form conductive films and various devices containing such films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conducting threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium is then solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane.

Abstract: A charging device for electrically charging a member to be charged includes charging particles including electroconductive particles having particles diameters in the range of 10 nm-10 &mgr;m; and a charging particles carrying member, which has a nip with the member to be charged forming a nip with said member to be charged, for carrying the charging particle to the nip; wherein said charging particles have resistances in the range of 10−1-1012 &OHgr;cm; wherein (an amount, per unit area, of said charging particles carried by said charging particles carrying member)/(an average roughness Ra of a surface of said charging particles carrying member) is in the range of 0.005-1 mg/cm2/&mgr;m.

Abstract: A control method of a voltage to be applied to an electrifier includes the steps of measuring an integral value of an alternating waveform, and controlling an alternating current so that the integral value is constant in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A dispenser having a reservoir for holding a web characterized by a web dielectric constant and a charging station for charging the web by tribocharging when the web is removed from the reservoir. The charging station has a first charging strip includes a first material having a first dielectric constant different from the web dielectric constant and a contact mechanism for pressing web against the charging strip as the web is removed from the reservoir. The contact mechanism may include a second charging strip having a second material with a second dielectric constant different from the web dielectric constant, the web passing between the first and second charging strips.

Abstract: A deployable lightning protection apparatus particularly suited for use with an aircraft radome comprises; a source of electrically conducting fluid (5); a delivery means (3,4,7) for delivering the conducting fluid to the surface of the radome prior to a lightning strike; a control means (1,2) for controlling the delivery means; and means for directing the conducting fluid across the outer surface of the radome thereby providing a conductive channel for the passage of electrical current resulting from a lightning strike and dissipating said current without damage to the radome. The apparatus allows lightning protection to be deployed in response to a change in atmospheric conditions indicative of a high probability of lightning strike and removed when the danger of lightning strike has passed.

Abstract: A high resolution field emission display includes a faceplate and a baseplate. The faceplate includes a transparent viewing layer, a transparent conductive layer formed on the transparent viewing layer and intersecting stripes of light-absorbing, opaque insulating material formed on the transparent conductive layer. The insulating material defines openings less than one hundred microns wide between the intersecting stripes. The faceplate also includes a plurality of localized regions of cathodoluminescent material, each formed in one of the openings. The cathodoluminescent material includes a metal oxide providing reduced resistivity in the cathodoluminescent material. Significantly, the reduced resistivity of the cathodoluminescent material together with the focusing effect of the insulating material provide increased acuity in luminous images formed on the faceplate.

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 present invention provides for a method and apparatus for protecting a vehicle from a plurality of harmful airborne agents. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of charged particles from a charged particle source mounted on said vehicle for imparting the vehicle with a positive charge and irradiating the harmful airborne agents with radiation from a radiation source which is also mounted on the vehicle for forming positively charged harmful airborne agents for protecting the vehicle by electrostatic repulsion.