Abstract: A method of reworking an aerospace component includes removing a casting defect from a component manufactured of a non-fusion weldable base alloy to form a cavity. The cavity is then at least partially filled with a multiple of layers of discrete laser powder deposition spots of a filler alloy. A cast component for a gas turbine engine includes a cast component non-fusion weldable base alloy with a cavity filled with a multiple of layers of laser powder deposition spots of a filler alloy. The filler alloy may be different than the non-fusion weldable base alloy. A layer of non-fusion weldable base alloy is at least partially within the cavity and over the filler alloy.

Abstract: A power source system includes: a rotary electrical machine; a power source; a switch that is provided between the power source and the rotary electrical machine; and a power source control device that controls opening/closing of the switch in response to a request for power feeding to the rotary electrical machine. The power source control device is configured to, in response to the power source system stopping operation, bring the switch into a closed state in a predetermined period of time. A rotary electrical machine control device controlling the rotary electrical machine includes: a determination unit that, in response to the power source system stopping operation, determines that the switch is in the closed state; and an abnormality diagnosis unit that, in response to the determination unit determining that the switch is in the closed state, performs an abnormality diagnosis of the rotary electrical machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit for protecting an electrostatic spray-coating apparatus, which has a high-voltage supply, against spark discharge. The control circuit has a disconnection device for automatically disconnecting the high-voltage supply, and has a device for detecting abnormal operation of the high-voltage supply. The device for detecting abnormal operation of the high-voltage supply is designed to monitor at least one parameter which is characteristic of the operation of the high-voltage supply, and to output a corresponding disconnection signal to the disconnection device when the at least one parameter which is characteristic of the operation of the high-voltage supply exceeds or falls below a predefined or predefinable limit value.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous needless electrospinning of a liquid polymer source into a nanoscale or submicron scale polymer fiber web includes an electrospinning enclosure, a wire drive system located external to the electrospinning enclosure and a plurality of continuous electrode wires. The electrospinning enclosure includes and electrospinning zone and one or more liquid polymer coating devices where liquid polymer is coated onto the plurality of continuous electrode wires. The plurality of continuous electrode wires are parallel to each other, engaged with the wire drive system, and extend through the electrospinning enclosure and the one or more liquid polymer coating devices located therein. High voltage is applied to the plurality of continuous electrode wires in the electrospinning zone to form nanoscale or submicron scale polymer fibers from the liquid polymer coated on the electrode wires.

Abstract: An integrated liquidjet system capable of stripping, prepping and coating a part includes a cell defining an enclosure, a jig for holding the part inside the cell, an ultrasonic nozzle having an ultrasonic transducer for generating a pulsed liquidjet, a coating particle source for supplying coating particles to the nozzle, a pressurized liquid source for supplying the nozzle with a pressurized liquid to enable the nozzle to generate the pulsed liquidjet to sequentially strip, prep and coat the part, a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode inside the nozzle for charging the coating particles, and a human-machine interface external to the cell for receiving user commands and for controlling the pulsed liquidjet exiting from the nozzle in response to the user commands.

Abstract: An integrated liquidjet system capable of stripping, prepping and coating a part includes a cell defining an enclosure, a jig for holding the part inside the cell, an ultrasonic nozzle having an ultrasonic transducer for generating a pulsed liquidjet, a coating particle source for supplying coating particles to the nozzle, a pressurized liquid source for supplying the nozzle with a pressurized liquid to enable the nozzle to generate the pulsed liquidjet to sequentially strip, prep and coat the part, a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode inside the nozzle for charging the coating particles, and a human-machine interface external to the cell for receiving user commands and for controlling the pulsed liquidjet exiting from the nozzle in response to the user commands.

Abstract: A method of stripping, prepping and coating a surface comprises first stripping the exiting coating from a surface, using continuous or pulsed fluid jet, followed by prepping the surface by the same fluid jet. The method also provides entraining particles into a fluid stream, if desired to generate a particle-entrained fluid stream that is directed at the surface to be stripped and prepped. The particles act as abrasive particles for prepping the surface to a prescribed surface roughness required for subsequent application of a coating to the surface. The method then entails coating the surface by electrically charging particles having the same chemical composition as the particles used to prep the surface. Finally, a charged-particle-entrained fluid stream is directed at high speed at the charged surface to coat the surface. The particles form both mechanical and electronic bonds with the surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing such steel sheet includes continuous annealing of a steel sheet which includes, in terms of mass %, C at 0.01 to 0.18%, Si at 0.4 to 2.0%, Mn at 1.0 to 3.0%, Al at 0.001 to 1.0%, P at 0.005 to 0.060% and S at ?0.01%, the balance being represented by Fe and inevitable impurities, in such a manner that the dew point of the atmosphere is controlled to become not more than ?45° C. during the course of soaking when the annealing furnace inside temperature is in the range of not less than 820° C. and not more than 1000° C. as well as that the dew point of the atmosphere is controlled to become not more than ?45° C. during the course of cooling when the annealing furnace inside temperature is in the range of not less than 750° C.

Abstract: A coating apparatus produces a spray of charged droplets and controls the spray angle of travel of the spray toward the object to be coated. Electrically charging droplets minimizes the amount of coating material required to uniformly coat a surface as compared to conventional web coating techniques such as blade coating. An inductive ring guides the spray charged droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray device. The electrostatic repulsion between the charged droplets insures that a uniform coating of liquid formulation can be applied to a web surface.

Abstract: A MEMS tunable capacitor comprises first and second opposing capacitor electrodes, wherein the second capacitor electrode is movable by a MEMS switch to vary the capacitor dielectric spacing, and thereby tune the capacitance. A tunable dielectric material and a non-tunable dielectric material are in series between the first and second electrodes. The tunable dielectric material occupies a dimension gd of the electrode spacing, and the non-tunable dielectric material occupies a dimension g of the electrode spacing. A third electrode faces the movable second electrode for electrically controlling tunable dielectric material. A controller is adapted to vary the capacitor dielectric spacing for a first continuous range of adjustment of the capacitance of the MEMS capacitor, and to tune the dielectric material for a second continuous range of adjustment of the capacitance of the MEMS capacitor, thereby to provide a continuous analogue range of adjustment including the first and second ranges.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.

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: Microchips which are particularly suitable for use with a mass spectrometer include a microchip body with at least one fluid channel formed into the microchip body and at least two flat monolithic closely spaced integrated ESI (electrospray ionization) emitters defined by shaped projections formed to extend from one side of the microchip body, a respective one being in fluid communication with a fluid channel. Related systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic device including a casing and a circuit board. The casing has an opening. The circuit board is located in the casing and at least includes a conductive layer and a surface insulating layer. The conductive layer includes a signal transmission portion and a static induction portion. The static induction portion is electrically disconnected with the signal transmission portion at the conductive layer, and the static induction portion is closer to the opening than the signal transmission portion. The surface insulating layer covers the signal transmission portion on the circuit board and exposes the static induction portion.

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: A method and system are provided for decontaminating at least a portion of an object. A misting device is configured to discharge a cloud formed from a plurality of cloud droplets. At least some of the cloud droplets include a decontaminating agent. A spraying device is configured to discharge a stream including a plurality of stream droplets into the cloud. At least some of the stream droplets have an electrostatic charge. At least some of the cloud droplets are deposited on the portion of the object to facilitate decontaminating the portion.

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: Apparatuses, systems and methods for generating, dispersing and delivering chemical compounds utilizing desorption electrospray ionization. Embodiments include an airflow channel into which an airflow is directed, a solvent reservoir containing a volume of solvent, at least one charged droplet source for producing a plurality of charged liquid droplets in the channel, and at least one grounded counter electrode positioned within the channel with the electrodes having at least one surface containing one or more chemical compounds that include releasable ions. In operation, the charged droplets are directed onto the surface or surfaces so that the impact of the charged particles on said surface produces gaseous ions of at least one chemical compound on said surface, after which the gaseous ions are dispersed into the airflow.

Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a source of voltage and a voltage multiplier for multiplying the voltage. The voltage multiplier is coupled to the source. An output terminal of the voltage multiplier is charged to a high-magnitude electrostatic potential and is adapted to charge coating material as the coating material is dispensed from the dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal. The circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal comprises a first impedance across which a portion of the voltage at the output terminal appears and an amplifier.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.

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: A generator is provided inside equipment, such as a sprayer, having a high voltage cascade including a voltage-gain transformer and a voltage multiplier arranged at the output of the transformer. The transformer is a double or multiple transformer, including at least two elementary transformers, whereof respective primary windings are mounted electrically in parallel, and whereof respective secondary windings are mounted electrically in series, the arrangement reducing a diameter of the cascade to facilitate incorporation in the sprayer or other equipment. The invention is applicable to painting robots for the automotive industry.

Abstract: This invention describes a means by which performance characteristics of capacitors can be improved. This is achieved by reducing the temperature, preferably but not exclusively to cryogenic temperatures below 100 K. This is based on the observation that the dielectric strength, dielectric losses and plate losses in many capacitors, such as film capacitors, improve as the temperature is decreased. A cryogenic capacitor bank is also described, which exhibits energy densities up to four times those of conventional, room-temperature capacitor banks. Cryogenic capacitors can be combined with cryogenically operated semiconductors or with superconductors in such a way as to reduce the size, weight, and losses of a complete system.

Abstract: This is a minus ion generating apparatus by which cluster ions in which minus ions and plus ions are mixed can be readily and largely fabricated and only minus ions can be separated and used. The apparatus is characterized in that a spray nozzle is connected to a gas-and-liquid separator. In order to more effectively generate the minus ions, the minus ion generating apparatus comprises a mixing flow path, a supplying flow path for fluid and a discharging flow path for fluid which are in communication with the mixing flow path. The mixing flow path comprises plural circular flow paths that are arranged in parallel and that are communicated in a radial direction; plural inlets and plural outlets formed in circular flow paths, so that the location of the inlets and the location of the outlets are mutually different in a radial direction; plural communicating flow paths by which the inlets formed in one circular flow path communicates with the outlets formed in another circular flow.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for electrostatic charging sprayed liquids from a spraying apparatus and method for same, the apparatus including a rotor having a magnet and magnetic poles, a booster coil assembly facing the rotor, for inducing high voltage AC pulses during the rotation of the rotor, and a rectifier for rectifying the high voltage AC pulses induced by the booster coil assembly to high voltage DC pulses and for supplying the high voltage DC pulses to a charging electrode. The power supply apparatus provides a compact and lightweight power generator system, thus eliminating cumbersome operations such as replacement or recharging of a large battery. In addition, a lighter weight and simplified operation reduces the burden on users and facilitates more efficient spraying.

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 method and apparatus for providing power to an electrostatic device includes a monitor and control system that prevents inadvertent and damaging electrical arcing. When the electrostatic device is first energized, voltage is gradually increased and the flow of electrical current is closely monitored. In the event the device is too close to ground or a grounded object, current flow exceeds a predetermined threshold and power is disconnected from the electrostatic device. Later, as the device voltage is increased to operating voltage, electrical current delivered to the electrostatic device is monitored for excessive current and excessive rate of change. If either fault condition is detected, power supply voltage may be reduced or disconnected, depending upon the severity of the fault. A microprocessor control system is illustrated for implementing the invention, including hardware and various software algorithms that provide the requisite gathering of information, analysis and responsive actions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling components used in the application of a coating incorporates digital communications and improved signal verification into the coating process. The method consist of sending data from one or more controllers to a controlled device, such as an electrostatic power supply, turbine speed controller or other coating device, and receiving data therefrom over a digital data link. The data sent to the controlled device may include any control parameters, including activating the controlled device to perform an intended function or instructions that tell the controlled device what to do. The data which may be returned from the controlled device includes various status information. Where the controlled device is a power supply, the method further incorporates a cross-checking function, to prevent accidental activation. The coating apparatus includes a device for spraying a paint, powder, or other type of coating in a controlled manner onto a receiving surface.

Abstract: A comminuting liquid device, a medicament delivery device, an inhaler, a method of providing droplets for delivery to the respiratory tract, a pocket-sized dispenser, and a method of mixing liquids by droplet coalescence. Liquids are subjected to electrical potentials to produce electrically charged droplets for delivery to the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a memory cell block and a sense amplifier zone. A selection gate included in the sense amplifier zone is turned on for selectively coupling the memory cell block with the sense amplifier zone. Local drivers are dispersively arranged on a BLI wire transmitting a gate control signal, and a driver is arranged on an end of the BLI wire. The driver pulls down the potential of the BLI wire at a high speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of electric charge on a finely divided powder. When the finely divided powder is supplied into a powder transportation pipe in a substantially discrete particle state and transported therethrough in a discrete particle state by a stream of a compressed gas having a very small water content whose dew-point is 0.degree. C. or less, electric charge is inevitably produced by friction on the powder by the collision thereof against the inner wall of the transportation pipe. By controlling the dew-point of the compressed gas, the amount of frictional electric charge produced on the powder can be controlled even if there is a change in the type of the finely divided powder, the piping system, the spray nozzle, the type and state of the gas serving as a carrier medium, and environmental conditions such as the atmosphere.

Abstract: A corona charger and method and apparatus for corona charging features an insulative shield and an electrically biased grid electrode spaced from the shield. One or more substantially bare corona wires are located between the grid electrode and the shield. The corona wires are electrically biased with an AC voltage. An electrically biased highly conductive buried floor electrode forms a part of the charger and has a surface located between the one or more corona wires and the shield. An insulating layer is located between the corona wires and the surface of the buried floor electrode so that there is no exposure of the buried floor electrode in a direct line of sight from a corona wire.

Abstract: A high voltage generator is provided for use in applications where current demand is low but a high voltage is required. The generator comprises an array of photosensitive elements, such as an array of photovoltaic elements produced by laser scribing or etching of a wafer of material conventionally used for solar cells, the number of elements employed and their interconnection being such that a high voltage output of at least 1 kV is obtained.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for use in spraying liquids having resistivities of the order of 5.times.10.sup.6 ohm.multidot.cm and viscosities of the order of 1 Poise at a spraying rate up to at least 4 cc/min (especially paint formulations) is provided with an annular shroud (112) of semi-insulating material (e.g. bulk resistivity of the order of 10.sup.11 to 10.sup.12 ohm.multidot.cm) which is electrically connected to a high voltage generator (126) for supplying high voltage to liquid emerging at the outlet of the nozzle (114). In this way, a voltage is established on the annular electrode (126) which is of the same polarity, and substantially the same magnitude, as the voltage applied to the liquid thereby modifying the potential gradient in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle outlet so as to allow the use of the high voltage needed to effect efficient spraying of liquids having the specified resistivity and viscosity at flow rates up to at least 4 cc/min.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrostatically applying a coating to articles in a chamber includes nozzles for discharging a fluid stream of coating composition, usually a dry powder, into the chamber. An electrical charge is applied to the individual particles of the coating composition. An endless conveyor supports suspended racks on which the articles to be coated are supported. Electrically grounded conductive strips having a projecting edges electrically ground each of the racks they move through the chamber. The strips have a thin flat profile with a laterally projecting edge to frictionally engage the racks moving through the chamber. Preferably the edge is vertically inclined so that the point on the racks contacted by the edge continually varies as the racks are conveyed, thus insuring a scraping action and good electrical contact between the grounding strip and the rack.

Abstract: A powder coating spray gun includes a high voltage generator with a transformer and voltage multiplier circuitry located within the handle and barrel portions of the gun. The voltage multiplier circuitry includes a number of stages of capacitors and diodes. In the event of failure of the voltage multiplier, backup or secondary circuitry may be selected by the user by removing the barrel of the spray gun from the handle, rotating the barrel to a second position, and re-inserting the barrel into the handle. The secondary circuitry can include a duplicate capacitor for the first stage of the voltage multiplier. A first and second set of connecting pins in the barrel of the spray gun couple the voltage multiplier circuitry with the transformer. The connecting pins are received at active sockets and inactive openings in the handle portion of the spray gun.

Abstract: A system and method for coincidence detection of ungrounded or inadequately grounded parts during the electrostatic coating process in order to improve production flow, provide an overall cost saving by efficient use of the coating material and prevention of accidental fires and false shutdown during production. The present invention utilizes a coincidence detection technique which performs a test for radio-frequency electromagnetic energy radiated by sparking and/or corona discharge caused by ungrounded parts outside a electrostatic coating area and a test for sensing and discriminating spurious radio-frequency electromagnetic energy radiated by sparking and/or corona discharge caused by any other external source. In accordance with one specific embodiment, the test performed outside the booth may include a further test for detecting ultraviolet energy radiated by the sparking and/or corona discharge.

Abstract: A device for the electrostatic spraying of a coating material comprising at least one charge electrode and equipped with an activating trigger connected to the means of supply of the coating material characterized in that it comprises means of adjusting the supply voltage of the said electrode sensitive the to position of the trigger. Thanks to this device, it is possible to control the value of the charge electrode supply voltage during coating as a function of the geometrical configuration of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus to generate corona discharges that consists of (a) a ground electrode tube, (b) a single-opening insulating tube inserted into the ground electrode tube, (c) a high-voltage electrode tube inserted into the insulating tube, and (d) two insulating caps. An air gap is formed between the ground electrode tube and the insulating tube. The high-voltage tube is inserted in the center of the assembly, which is held in position by the insulating caps.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, anti-fouling, ionizing air gun for static neutralization and particle blow-off comprises a generally tubular barrel having an open forward or nozzle end and a rearward open end for drawing air therethrough from the atmosphere. A pointed ion emitting electrode is positioned intermediate the ends of the barrel and directs ions toward the forward nozzle end while a plurality of circumferentially spaced air jets direct streams of compressed air in a conical pattern toward the apex thereof in front of the ion emitting electrode so as to induce air drawn in from the open rear end over the electrode to effect cleansing thereof thereby expelling a high velocity ionized air stream through the forward nozzle end.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing a fluent material such as a liquid includes a device for discharging a stream of the fluent material and a device for providing energetic electrons such that the electrons impinge on the fluent material to provide a net negative charge on the fluent material in the discharged stream. The fluent material discharged is dispersed at least partially under the influence of the net negative charge so imparted. The electron-supply device includes a chamber separated from the fluid passageway by an electron-permeable membrane, and may also include an electron gun for generating a beam of energetic electrons such that the electron beam passes through the window and impinges on the fluent material. The electrons may impinge on the fluent material as the fluent material is discharged from the device so that the fluid flow carries the charged portions of the fluent material away from the device. The apparatus may be used to atomize liquids even where the liquids are electrically conductive.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the conductivity of a fluid is disclosed. The invention 10 provides both a contact and non-contact monitoring of fluid conductivity by measuring the A.C. dielectric properties of the fluid. The invention 10 transmits an electromagnetic wave into the fluid 22 and analyzes the transmitted and reflected waves providing an indication of the conductivity of the fluid 22. The invention 10 is versatile in that it allows for the fluid to be in the form of a spray. In a specific illustrative implementation, a novel nozzle is provided to monitor the conductivity of paint spray 22 as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun having a self-contained power supply including a high voltage electrostatic voltage and current source, with circuits for monitoring the voltage and current and developing a frequency signal based on the monitored voltage and current, circuits for modulating the frequency signal with a radio frequency carrier and transmitting the modulated-carrier signal to a remote radio receiver, where the signals are demodulated and converted to a digital display representation of the monitored voltage and/or current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a charged fluid and for creating an electret from a receptor, such as roll mill polymer film, whereby the electret will have the highest possible static electrical charge within the physical limits of the receptor. The apparatus according to the present invention includes, inter alia, a housing, a plurality of equidistantly spaced electrodes, each electrode having optimum geometry, location and electrification voltage so as to provide a maximum, uniform electric field therebetween, the electrodes collectively forming a charger grid within the housing, and a source of flowing gaseous fluid entering into the housing, the flowing gaseous fluid ionizing at the charger grid, resulting in an optimized corona within the housing. The method according to the present invention induces an optimal corona, defined as a maximum possible electric field having a strength that is near the spark over voltage, in a flowing gaseous fluid by passing the gaseous fluid past the charger grid.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing a fluent material such as a liquid includes a device for discharging a stream of the fluent material and a device for providing energetic electrons such that the electrons impinge on the fluent material to provide a net negative charge on the fluent material in the discharged stream. The fluent material discharged is dispersed at least partially under the influence of the net negative charge so imparted. The electron-supply device includes a chamber separated from the fluid passageway by an electron-permeable membrane, and may also include an electron gun for generating a beam of energetic electrons such that the electron beam passes through the window and impinges on the fluent material. The electrons may impinge on the fluent material as the fluent material is discharged from the device so that the fluid flow carries the charged portions of the fluent material away from the device. The apparatus may be used to atomize liquids even where the liquids are electrically conductive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a charged fluid and for creating an electret from a receptor, such as roll mill polymer film, whereby the electret will have the highest possible static electrical charge within the physical limits of the receptor. The apparatus according to the present invention includes, inter alia, a housing, a plurality of equidistantly spaced electrodes, each electrode having optimum geometry, location and electrification voltage so as to provide a maximum, uniform electric field therebetween, the electrodes collectively forming a charger grid within the housing, and a source of flowing gaseous fluid entering into the housing, the flowing gaseous fluid ionizing at the charger grid, resulting in an optimized corona within the housing. The method according to the present invention induces an optimal corona, defined as a maximum possible electric field having a strength that is near the spark over voltage, in a flowing gaseous fluid by passing the gaseous fluid past the charger grid.

Abstract: A device and method of determining the voltage and current existing at the electrostatic electrode in a electrostatic spray gun, the spray gun containing a self-contained power supply including a turbine generator operating the air supplied to the gun, the power supply producing a low voltage d.c., and a voltage multiplier changing the voltage to a high potential which is applied to the electrode of the spray gun, a sensing and measuring circuit for determining the return current or ground current from the electrode to the power supply and producing a voltage directly related to the ground current and producing a voltage signal which may be measured directly to indicate the ground current; a circuit establishing a base voltage from the power supply for comparison against the ground current voltage signal and obtaining a differential voltage which may be measured and which is directly proportional to the electrode voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a charged gaseous fluid and for creating an electret from a receptor, such as roll mill polymer film, whereby the electret will have the highest possible static electrical charge within the physical limits of the receptor. The apparatus according to the present invention includes, inter alia, a housing, a plurality of equidistantly spaced electrodes, each electrode having optimum geometry, location and electrification voltage so as to provide a maximum, uniform electric field therebetween, the electrodes collectively forming a charger grid within the housing, and a source of flowing gaseous fluid entering into the housing, the flowing gaseous fluid ionizing at the charger grid, resulting in an optimized corona within the housing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a developing powder image onto a recording medium comprising, a chamber for accommodating a developing powder and having an opening confronting the recording medium, first electric field generating device for generating an electric field curtain force in the chamber so as to suspend the developing powder in a cloud and second electric field generating device provided in the vicinity of the opening wherein the suspended developing powder is selectively move the recording medium according to an image signal or an electrostatic latent image.

Abstract: An electrocoating system with multistage voltage application includes an electrocoating bath filled with a coating material and having inlet and outlet sides, a feeding arrangement for supporting and moving an object to be immersed and coated in the electrocoating bath so that the object will serve as an electrode, electrode means including a plurality of voltage-application stages arranged successively from the inlet to outlet sides of the electrocoating bath, each of the stages having at least one electrode arranged along a path of travel of an object as moved by the feeding arrangement, power supply means for applying different independently variable voltages through the stages, respectively, and diode means for preventing the electrodes of the stages from being electrocoated with the coating material, the diode means including diodes which are forward-connected respectively between the power supply means and the electrodes of the stages.