Abstract: A voltage regulator module includes a circuit board, a first component and a switching circuit assembly. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface, a concave structure and a contact pad. The first surface and the second surface are opposed to each other. The concave structure is disposed in the circuit board and concavely formed on the second surface. The contact pad is formed on the second surface and served as at least one of a positive output terminal, a negative output terminal and a positive input terminal. The concave structure and the contact pad are misaligned to each other. The first component is at least partly disposed within the concave structure. The switching circuit assembly is disposed on the first surface and electrically connected with the contact pad and the first component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for generating non-thermal plasma which can form reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as those used to neutralize bacteria and other pathogens in the air and surrounding area. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for neutralizing bacteria and other pathogens using ROS generated through the use of non-thermal plasma. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for generating ROS. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods for treating air and nearby surfaces. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses for generating non-thermal plasma, and which can monitor and analyze the operational characteristics of a plasma field generated by the aforementioned devices and/or the electrical consumption characteristics of the power supply being used to generate the plasma field, which analyzed characteristics can be used to trigger an alarm to indicate that the device is not functioning optimally or as otherwise expected.

Abstract: A device for deodorization and disinfection is provided. The aforementioned device includes a supporter, a fan module, a high voltage generating module, a controlling circuit, a battery module, and a cover body used to contain aforementioned elements. Aforementioned supporter includes a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion, and a third supporting portion. The fan module attaches to a setting plane of the first supporting portion. The high voltage generating module is configured at the third supporting portion and below the fan module, and a corona generator of the high voltage generating module is configured at an air outlet of the fan module. The battery module is configured at a holding space formed by the second supporting portion and the third supporting portion. The controlling circuit makes the battery module provide power to the fan module and the high voltage generating module.

Abstract: Systems, and methods for controlling a modular system for improved real-time yield monitoring and sensor fusion of crops in an orchard are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the invention, a modular system for improved real-time yield monitoring and sensor fusion may include a collection vehicle, a modular processing unit, a volume measurement module, a three-dimensional point-cloud scanning module, an inertial navigation system, and a post-processing server. As the collection vehicle travels through an orchard, the volume measurement module calculates volume measurements of the windrow, the three-dimensional point-cloud scanning module assembles point-clouds of each plant in the orchard, and the inertial navigation system calculates geodetic positions of the collection vehicle. The modular processing unit may fuse the collected data together and transmit the fused data set to a post-processing server.

Abstract: An electrostatic collector is provided, including a collection chamber, delimited by a tubular wall, and a support holding an electrode in position in the collection chamber and for removing it from the collection chamber, the support including a guide, passing transversally through the collection chamber, the first and second ends of which are fixed to the wall, the guide including a through opening configured to hold the electrode; a first attachment element, including at least one electrically conducting part, that will extend at least partly in the guide, from the first end towards the opening; and a second attachment element, including at least one electrically insulating part, that can move in translation in the guide from the second end towards the opening and from the opening towards the second end.

Abstract: A processing target reforming apparatus includes: a conveying unit that conveys a processing target along a conveyance path; a discharge unit including a plurality of discharge electrodes aligned along the conveyance path, a counter electrode with the conveyance path interposed therebetween, and a power source that applies a voltage waveform to the discharge electrodes; and a control unit that controls the discharge unit such that a phase of the voltage waveform applied to a first discharge electrode of the discharge electrodes at a timing when a certain point of the processing target passes between the first discharge electrode and the counter electrode is shifted with respect to a phase of the voltage waveform applied by the power source to a second discharge electrode of the discharge electrodes at a timing when the certain point of the processing target passes between the second discharge electrode and the counter electrode.

Abstract: Nanoelectronic devices for the detection and quantification of biomolecules are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices are configured to detect and measure blood glucose levels. Also provided are methods of fabricating nanoelectronic devices for the detection of biomolecules.

Abstract: A plasma spark discharge reactor for treating water. The plasma spark discharge reactor comprises a HV electrode with a head and ground electrode that surrounds at least a portion of the HV electrode. A passage for gas may pass through the reactor to a location proximate to the head to provide controlled formation of gas bubbles in order to facilitate the plasma spark discharge in a liquid environment.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to satisfy insulation and conductivity performance requirements, to reduce the size of a gas insulated bus, and also to make conditioning for a particle more reliable. In a gas insulated bus having a conductor supported in a cylindrical metal container via an insulator, insulating gas being contained in the metal container, the metal container has an expanded diameter part formed over a given range in an area of the metal container in which the insulator is positioned and a reduced diameter part formed over the entire area of the metal container except for the expanded diameter part. Thus, when the temperature of the insulator increases during conduction, heat from the insulator is transferred to the metal container via a large space in the expanded diameter part and released to the air through a large outer surface of the expanded diameter part of the metal container.

Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transport ions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for charging fluids are disclosed. The charging of fluids improves the mixing of fluids in microfluidic systems. The charging is performed by producing an ion field (50) between an ionizing electrode (20) and an opposed ground electrode (30). A fluid-containing vessel (40) is positioned between the opposed electrodes and the ion field charges the fluid (41) in the vessel.

Abstract: A particle charging method and apparatus are provided. An ion source is applied to a particle laden flow. The flow is introduced into a container in a laminar manner. The container has at least a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes wetted walls at a first temperature. A second section adjacent to the first section has wetted walls at a second temperature T2 greater than the first temperature T1. A third section adjacent to the second section has dry walls provided at a temperature T3 equal to or greater than T2. Additional water removal and temperature conditioning sections may be provided.

Abstract: A charge supplier improves an electrically charged state of a vehicle or the like by allowing any part of the vehicle, such as an engine and electrical equipments, to maintain its movements. A charge supplier includes a plurality of rectangular tablet-like germanium chips bonded to a copper plate using a conductive adhesive, and a copper tape folded to sandwich the copper plate, so that the germanium chips are provided between the copper plate and the copper tape. The copper tape may be secured to the copper plate by pressing the copper tape toward the copper plate to deform the copper tape, or by using a conductive adhesive. An attaching terminal is provided in the copper plate on the side of the opening of the copper tape which is folded in a shape of “U”.

Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transportions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.

Abstract: An arrangement for the exposure of a pumpable medium to an electric field. The arrangement comprises, at least two power supplies (100) for the generation of electrical voltage, at least one non-conducting chamber (102) for pumping said pumpable medium, which said at least one chamber (102) is provided with a first (106) and a second electrode plate (108), a control means (104) for controlling said at least two power supplies (100). During control the control means (104), by synchronous control, establishes a series connection between at least two of said at least two power supplies (100), the first electrode plate (106) and the second electrode plate (108). A resulting composite voltage arises between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108), which resulting composite voltage will result in an electric field between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108). The pumpable medium is exposed to the electric field.

Abstract: A bipolar charger includes a housing with a main chamber and positive and negative electrode chambers facing each other. The electrode chambers each have a ground electrode and a high voltage electrode that cooperate to create a cloud of ions. An aerosol flowing from an inlet passage through the main chamber and out an outlet passage mixes with the clouds of ions, thereby providing an aerosol with a steady-state electric charge distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to satisfy insulation and conductivity performance requirements, to reduce the size of a gas insulated bus, and also to make conditioning for a particle more reliable. In a gas insulated bus having a conductor supported in a cylindrical metal container via an insulator, insulating gas being contained in the metal container, the metal container has an expanded diameter part formed over a given range in an area of the metal container in which the insulator is positioned and a reduced diameter part formed over the entire area of the metal container except for the expanded diameter part. Thus, when the temperature of the insulator increases during conduction, heat from the insulator is transferred to the metal container via a large space in the expanded diameter part and released to the air through a large outer surface of the expanded diameter part of the metal container.

Abstract: Novel boron nitride agglomerated powders are provided having controlled density and fracture strength features. In addition methods for producing same are provided. One method calls for providing a feedstock powder including boron nitride agglomerates, and heat treating the feedstock powder to form a heat treated boron nitride agglomerated powder. In one embodiment the feedstock powder has a controlled crystal size. In another, the feedstock powder is derived from a bulk source. Devices, such as microelectronic devices and printed circuit boards, which include boron nitride agglomerates with controlled fracture strength features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of electrostatic charges to compounds to change the physical characteristics of the compounds. The compound is located within a container, that can be sealed or open, in proximity to an electrode so that there is capacitive coupling between the electrode and the compound. A high frequency, high voltage signal is applied to the electrode for a time sufficient to increase negative ions in the compound, thus changing its physical characteristics. The method can increase the pH and decreases oxidation-reduction potential. A grounded platform is provided for use with a non-conductive container, and the entire apparatus can be provided in a housing enclosure to permit safe application of electrical potential to the compound being treated.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a levitation microreactor adapted to facilitate a chemical reaction. The levitation microreactor may comprise one or more levitation zones arranged in spatial communication with one another, each levitation zone including a levitator that is effective to levitate a reactant droplet. In some examples, a first levitation zone may include a first levitator effective to levitate a first reactant droplet, while a second levitation zone may include a second levitator effective to levitate a second reactant droplet. The second reactant droplet may be distinct from the first reactant droplet. Some example microreactors may further include a third levitation zone that is arranged in spatial communication with the first and second levitation zones. The third levitation zone may be effective to facilitate a chemical reaction on the first and second reactant droplets while the first and second reactant droplets are levitated to produce a product.

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

Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device comprises an emitter electrode, an opposed electrode, cooling means for condensing water on the emitter electrode, and a high voltage source; and high voltage is applied to the condensed water so that minute water particles are discharged from a discharge end at a tip of the emitter electrode. The device comprises a controller for causing the charged minute water particles to be discharged stably. The controller has an initial control mode and a normal control mode. In the initial mode, the cooling means is controlled so as to cool the emitter electrode at a predetermined cooling rate. Once discharge current reaches into a predetermined target discharge current range, the cooling means is controlled by feedback control, on the basis of the value of the discharge current, in such a manner that the discharge current is kept within the target discharge current range.

Abstract: Nanoelectronic devices for the detection and quantification of biomolecules are Provided. In certain embodiments, the devices are configured to detect and measure blood glucose levels. Also provided are methods of fabricating nanoelectronic devices for the detection of biomolecules.

Abstract: Provided is an atmosphere cleaning device comprising a means for establishing a down-flow in the atmosphere, in which a treating object is positioned, a plurality of ionizers arranged at positions above the treating object and symmetrically in the layout, as viewed downward, across the treating object, for feeding either cation or anion transversely of the down-flow, and a means for applying such a DC voltage to the treating object as has the same polarity as that of the voltage being applied to those ionizers. The atmosphere cleaning device is characterized in that the symmetrically arranged ionizers are arranged to face each other.

Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device capable of instantly giving an electrostatically atomizing effect without requiring a water tank. The electrostatically atomizing device includes an emitter electrode, an opposed electrode opposed to the emitter electrode, a water feeder configured to give water on the emitter electrode, and a high voltage source configured to apply a high voltage across said emitter electrode and said opposed electrode to electrostatically charge the water on the emitter electrode for spraying charged minute water particles from a discharge end of the emitter electrode. The water feeder is configured to condense the water on the emitter electrode from within the surrounding air, enabling to supply the water on the emitter electrode in a short time without relying upon an additional water tank. Thus, an atomization of the charged minute water particles can be obtained immediately upon use of the device.

Abstract: A method of ionizing a liquid is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of dispensing an electrically conductive liquid onto an electrically conductive membrane so as to form a liquid film on the surface of the membrane, applying an electrical charge to the liquid film on the membrane, generating ultrasonic waves to vibrate the membrane so as to induce capillary waves in the liquid film, and electrostatically attracting the electrically charged crests in the capillary waves so that electrically charged droplets are extracted from the capillary waves and accelerated therefrom for emission. The method is generally utile in various applications including, for example, spacecraft propulsion, paint spray techniques, semiconductor fabrication, biomedical processes, and the like. In addition to the above-described method, an electrostatic colloid thruster for implementing the method is disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: An electrostatic colloid thruster for implementing a method of ionizing a liquid is disclosed herein. The electrostatic colloid thruster includes an electrically conductive extractor having a plurality of holes defined therethrough; an ultrasonic atomizer having an electrically conductive atomization surface at least partially facing the extractor and being arranged relative thereto so as to define a gap; a reservoir system in fluid communication with the atomization surface; and an electrical power source in electrical communication with both the extractor and the atomization surface. The apparatus and method are generally utile in various applications including, for example, spacecraft propulsion, paint spray techniques, semiconductor fabrication, biomedical processes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging device having a charge section (20) for charging a floating particle in an air to be handled, and an air handling device (an air cleaning device) having the charging device. The charge section (20) is constituted by a first charge section (20a) adopting an impact charging technique and a second charge section (20b) adopting a diffusion charging technique. With this structure, charging and collection of dust can be accomplished only in the casing of the device, and therefore, an increase in size of the device can be avoided.

Abstract: Particles are trapped away from a wafer transport zone in a chamber. A first electrode is on one side of the zone. A second electrode is on an opposite side of the zone. A power supply connected across the electrodes establishes an electrostatic field between the electrodes. The field traps particles at the electrodes, away from the zone. For transporting the wafer from the chamber, the second electrode mounts the wafer for processing, and the first electrode is opposite to the second electrode defining a process space. The zone is in the space with a separate part of the space separating the zone from each electrode. Particles are urged away from the wafer by simultaneously terminating plasma processing of the wafer, connecting the second electrode to ground, applying a positive DC potential to the first electrode, and de-chucking the wafer from the second electrode into the zone.

Abstract: An accelerator system and method that utilize dust as the primary mass flux for generating thrust are provided. The accelerator system can include an accelerator capable of operating in a self-neutralizing mode and having a discharge chamber and at least one ionizer capable of charging dust particles. The system can also include a dust particle feeder that is capable of introducing the dust particles into the accelerator. By applying a pulsed positive and negative charge voltage to the accelerator, the charged dust particles can be accelerated thereby generating thrust and neutralizing the accelerator system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for directing aerosol are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device includes an emitter electrode, an opposed electrode opposed to the emitter electrode, and a cooling means which condenses the water on the emitter electrode from within the surrounding air, and a high voltage source applying a high voltage across the emitter electrode and the opposed electrode to electrostatically charge the water for atomizing charged minute water particles from a discharge end of the emitter electrode. The device further includes a controller for discharging the charged minute water particles in a stable manner. The controller monitors a discharge current flowing between the two electrodes to control the cooling means for keeping the discharge current at a predetermined level, thereby regulating the atomizing amount of the charged minute particles from the emitter electrode.

Abstract: A capnometer adaptor includes a nanostructure sensor configured to selectively respond to a gaseous constituent of exhaled breath, such as to carbon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the adaptor includes an airway adaptor having at least one channel configured for the passage of respiratory gas; at least one nanostructure sensor in fluid communication with the passage, the sensor configured to selectively respond to at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath comprising carbon dioxide; and electronic hardware connected to the nanostructure sensor and configured to provide a signal indicative of a response of the sensor to the at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath. The sensor may be provided as a compact and solid-state device, and may be adapted for a variety of respiratory monitoring applications.

Abstract: An X-ray emitting section 22 for emitting soft X-ray is arranged facing a chamber 21. An inlet duct 23 and a outlet duct 24 are arranged on both sides of the chamber 21. An irradiating region is ionized by the soft X-ray. It is therefore possible to achieve a charging device of aerosol particles that is safe and easy to handle.

Abstract: A fan cooling system for use with an electronic apparatus having a fan for providing a cooling draft and adapted to remove draft-borne dust includes: an input module for receiving a control instruction; a programmable logic module electrically connected to the input module and adapted to validate the control instruction received by the input module and output a logic result in accordance with the control instruction; and an electrostatic module comprising an electrostatic filtering unit and an electrostatic controlling unit electrically connected to the electrostatic filtering unit and the programmable logic module, wherein the electrostatic filtering unit adjoins the fan to take the cooling draft, and the electrostatic controlling unit applies static electricity to the electrostatic filtering unit in accordance with the logic result sent from the programmable logic module and thus enables the electrostatic filtering unit to electrostatically adsorb draft-borne dust.

Abstract: A negative ion generator includes: a flat dielectric layer having a planar surface; a plurality of conductive lines that are attached to the planar surface of the dielectric layer, and that define a plurality of ion-discharging points, respectively; and a high voltage generating circuit coupled to the conductive lines for actuating emission of electrons from the ion-discharging points of the conductive lines.

Abstract: Methods of forming electrostatically charged gelatin are provided. Gelatin is extracted by an acid extraction method (12) thereby producing a gelatin dispersion (14), the pH of which is adjusted to the isoelectric point of the gelatin. The pH of the gelatin dispersion (14) is then further adjusted (22) so as to cause the gelatin to assume an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: Techniques in which a 1st force, field, or effect caused by a Casimir effect is converted into a 2nd force, field, or effect. The 1st force, field, or effect might be distinct from the 2nd force, field, or effect only in the net vector or might be distinct in other ways. For example, the distinction might involve substituting a torque for a linear force vector or converting a force, field, or effect associated with the Casimir effect into movement or into an electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic force, field, or effect. These changes preferably are caused by an independent element placed proximate or between to the Casimir effect surfaces. Preferably, the torque causes rotation (i.e., spinning) of an element. This rotation is significantly different from prior-art embodiment because energy does not have to be put back into the system to “reset” the structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which in some embodiments for controlling intermolecular forces between a contact surface and a fabricated microstructure having a base and at least one or more nano-structures. The contact surface and the fabricated microstructure are joined by the interplay of electrostatic and van der Waals forces. The contact surface can be planetary dust with surfaces involved in planetary exploration, as well as synthetic gecko hairs that would allow small robots to climb walls and traverse ceilings. The system and method allow intense electrostatic forces to be applied at variable levels in order to modulate the effectiveness of van der Waals forces as well as external electrostatic forces. This device enables advanced small robot mobility, planetary dust control at all possible ambient pressures, as well as dust sample collection for exploration analysis.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting energy from the electromagnetic quantum vacuum available at any point in the universe to usable energy in the form of heat, electricity, mechanical energy or other forms of power. By suppressing electromagnetic quantum vacuum energy at appropriate frequencies a change may be effected in the electron energy levels which will result in the emission or release of energy. Mode suppression of electromagnetic quantum vacuum radiation is known to take place in Casimir cavities. A Casimir cavity refers to any region in which electromagnetic modes are suppressed or restricted. When atoms enter into suitable micro Casimir cavities a decrease in the orbital energies of electrons in atoms will thus occur. Such energy will be captured in the claimed devices. Upon emergence form such micro Casimir cavities the atoms will be re-energized by the ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air treatment device including a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing and a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode. The device preferably increases the ions produced for a start up period after the device is initially turned on, wherein the device automatically decreases ion production after the desired period. The device preferably includes a first and second voltage source to selectively increase and decrease voltages applied to the emitter and/or collector electrode to adjust the ion production. In one embodiment, the device includes a voltage controller to selectively adjust the voltage provided by the voltage source for the start up period and normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods, apparatuses and systems that utilize electric currents to direct the deposition of particulate matter to various surfaces.

Abstract: A corona charge spray gun for dispensing powders for powder coatings. The spray gun includes a housing defining a chamber terminating in an outlet passageway. A high voltage electrode is mounted in the chamber spaced upstream of the outlet passageway and a ground electrode is mounted in the chamber spaced upstream from the high voltage electrode. The ground electrode is selected to have a surface area sufficiently larger than the surface area of the high voltage electrode in order to allow high voltages to be applied to the high voltage electrode without arch discharging occurring in the chamber. An inlet opens into the chamber for conducting a powder-gas mixture into the chamber and the electrodes receive cleaning gases for avoiding powder deposits on the electrodes.

Abstract: The apparatus for generating ionic flow of media includes a DC voltage supply having a positive terminal and a negative terminal with a collector connected to the negative terminal of the direct current voltage supply. The collector has a substantially tubular configuration with a rear and front section with inwardly tapering frusto-conical section therebetween. An emitter pin is connected to the positive terminal of the direct current voltage supply with the majority of the tip being located within the frusto-conical section of the collector. Alternatively, the front section of the collector may be made of a dielectric material, such as plastic. As a result, fluid flow, such as air flow, is generated from the input port of the rear section of the collector, through the frusto-conical section of the collector and out the output port of the front section of the collector.

Abstract: This invention is to a process and system for controlling solids distribution in a gas-solids reactor. Solids distribution is controlled by controlling electrical charges between solid particles flowing between conductive surfaces within a gas-solids reactor. The electrical charges are controlled by conventional means such as by grounding the opposing conductive surfaces, or by applying a voltage to one of the opposing conductive surfaces.

Abstract: In a high-voltage generator including a CW circuit (high-voltage circuit), where the CW circuit generates a high voltage through booster circuits that are provided for boosting an input voltage and connected to one another in multiple stages, a conductive shielding member for shielding electric circuit parts used for the CW circuit from an electrical discharge that occurs outside or inside the high-voltage generator is provided between the electrical circuit parts. Accordingly, the electric circuit parts are prevented from being damaged and/or burnt by the electrical discharge and the high-voltage generator is miniaturized.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus is built by sandwiching a dielectric layer between an induction electrode and a discharge electrode. The induction electrode is formed of a metal substrate of, for example, aluminum. Even when the apparatus is made larger, it offers improved mechanical strength compared with a conventional structure employing a dielectric layer formed of a ceramic substrate, a brittle material. The dielectric layer is formed of a thin film having an insulation breakdown withstand voltage of 30 V/?m or more and having a thickness of 30 ?m or less. The discharge electrode is formed on the dielectric layer such that the area occupied by the electrode portion of individual line-shaped electrodes is smaller than the area occupied by the non-electrode portion thereof. This helps to make the discharge voltage lower and to reduce the amount of ozone generated by electric discharge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a corona charging device having a powder feed with an outlet. The device has an internal charging cavity having an inlet and a charged powder outlet. The powder feed outlet is positioned at the internal charging cavity inlet. The device is adapted to guide a powder stream downstream from the powder feed outlet to the charged powder outlet. The device also includes a corona charger having one or more needle projections (each having a tip) positioned and adapted to facilitate a corona ion flow from the needle projections and intersecting the powder stream. The device also includes a rotating ground electrode adapted to be charged or grounded to attract the corona flow from the needle projections, and to rotate segments of the ground electrode between the internal charging cavity and a ground electrode cleaner.

Abstract: A device for handling a fluid includes a corona discharge device and an electric power supply. The corona discharge device includes at least one corona discharge electrode and at least one collector electrode positioned proximate each other so as to provide a total inter-electrode capacitance within a predetermined range. The electric power supply is connected to supply an electric power signal to said corona discharge and collector electrodes so as to cause a corona current to flow between the corona discharge and collector electrodes. An amplitude of an alternating component of the voltage of the electric power signal generated is no greater than one-tenth that of an amplitude of a constant component of the voltage of the electric power signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus useable with colorant and media includes a colorant applicator at which colorant is provided, and a nanotube assembly that emits electron beams to selectively charge the colorant on the colorant applicator, such that one of the charged and uncharged colorant is electrically attractable to the media.