Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.

Abstract: An ion wind fan can be manufactured efficiently using insert molding. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an ion wind fan having an isolator with an emitter bus plate and an emitter attachment plate insert molded into isolator. A collector electrode is further insert molded into the isolator. The collector electrode is supported in part by two collector supports. One or more wire emitter electrodes are welded to the emitter bus plate at a first end of the emitter wires and to the emitter attachment plate at a second end of the emitter wires.

Abstract: An ion wind fan can be made more resistant to electrical arcing by designing a supporting dielectric further from an emitter electrode. In one embodiment, such an ion wind fan according to one embodiment of the present invention has an emitter electrode and a collector electrode, and an isolator comprising a dielectric to provide electrical isolation for one or both of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. In one embodiment, the isolator has a tapered sidewall so that the sidewall becomes thinner in the upstream direction over at least a portion of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the taper is a linear taper.

Abstract: There is provided a static eliminator capable of improving a sheath effect exerted by shielding a leading end of a discharge electrode by a clean gas so as to prevent the leading end of the discharge electrode from being contaminated, in which a first-stage circumferential chamber, a second-stage circumferential chamber and a first gas pool are arrayed in series along the longitudinal direction of a discharge electrode, the first gas pool is disposed in the mode of diametrically overlapping a gas outflow channel for shielding located on the inner circumferential side of the first gas pool, and a clean gas is supplied to the first gas pool through the chambers disposed at multi-stages by means of the circumferentially spaced multi-stage orifices (the first and second chases).

Abstract: Embodiments of electrostatic blower system for use in computer systems or other electronic device, e.g., in inkjet printers for cooling or drying operations, are disclosed. An exemplary method may include arranging a plurality of electrostatic blowers together to increase output pressure. The method may also include positioning the arranged electrostatic blowers directly adjacent a point of use in a printer device. The method may also include directing and accelerating airflow using a corona discharge in each of the plurality of electrostatic blowers for cooling or drying operations in the printer device.

Abstract: A system for semiconductor wafer manufacturing, comprises a chamber process path for processing the wafer, and a device operable to remove particles from the wafer by electrostatic and electromagnetic methodologies wherein the device is installed in the chamber process path.

Abstract: An electrostatic fluid accelerator includes an electrode array comprising an array of corona discharge electrodes and an array of accelerating electrodes for moving a fluid. A detector is configured to sense a constituent component of the fluid. A control circuit supplies power to the electrode array and operates the electrostatic fluid accelerator in response to an output from the detector.

Abstract: A method for generating ions is disclosed. The method includes generating AC high voltage using a stationary AC generator, applying the AC high voltage to one or more AC/DC voltage converters via capacitive air coupling between a high voltage terminal of the AC generator and one or more high voltage terminals of the AC/DC voltage converters. The method also includes rotating the AC/DC voltage converters, each AC/DC voltage converter connected to an air ionizing electrode that rotates with the AC/DC voltage converter it is connected to when that AC/DC voltage converter is rotated, relative to the AC generator, in an air flow. The method further includes providing additional capacitive air coupling between a low voltage terminal of the AC generator and one or more low voltage terminals of the AC/DC voltage converters, and multiplying the voltage output of the AC/DC converters. An ion generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system suited for dissipating heat of a heat source. The heat dissipation system includes at least one flow channel, at least one electrode pair, and a control unit. The flow channel passing through the heat source has at least two openings. The electrode pair disposed in the flow channel is near the openings. The control unit is electrically connected to the electrode pair to control the voltage of the electrode pair, so that the electrode pair is discharged to ionize the air nearby, and to produce an ionized flow in the flow channel. The control unit controls a polarity and a magnitude of the voltage of the electrode pair to change the direction and the speed of the ionized flow, so that the ionized flow flows out of or into the flow channel from at least one of the openings. A heat dissipation method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical disabling projectile system for disabling a moving vehicle comprising: a disabling device, where the disabling device includes a power supply means and a launching projectile, where the projectile is capable of transmitting a disabling current; a control panel, where the control panel includes a means to release the projectile and a means to activate the disabling current; and a power supply means to supply power to the control panel and the disabling device. The disabling device includes at least one mounting bracket that enables the placement of the disabling device onto the front of a vehicle.

Abstract: A low maintenance AC gas-flow driven static neutralizer, comprising at least one emitter and at least one reference electrode; a power supply having an output electrically coupled to the emitter(s) and a reference terminal electrically coupled to the reference electrode(s) with the power supply disposed to produce an output waveform that creates ions by corona discharge and to produce an electrical field when this output waveform is applied to the emitter(s); a gas flow source disposed to produce a gas flow across a first region that includes these generated ions and the emitter(s), the gas flow including a flow velocity; and wherein, during a first time duration, the output waveform decreases an electrical force created by the electrical field, enabling the gas flow to carry away from the emitter(s) a contamination particle that may be located within a second region surrounding the emitter(s), and to minimize a likelihood of the contamination particle from accumulating on the emitter(s).

Abstract: An electrode pattern and layered assembly is disclosed. This assembly utilizes multiple-piece construction, including at least two electrically conductive layers and at least three electrically insulating layers. By incorporating a second electrically conductive layer, each electrode can be divided into two or more separate portions on the top layer, and joined together using the second conductive layer. Connections between the two conductive layers can be made using any suitable technique, including through-hole vias, conductive rods and the like. The use of a second electrically conductive layer also allows for a different gas distribution strategy. The use of multiple conductive layers allows the use of one or more concentric channels to be used through which the gas can be injected.

Abstract: A maintenance operation of an ion generator can be easily performed. A device main body has an inner case and an outer case, and the inner case having a support block and an air supply pipe is inserted into the outer case. An opposite electrode is detachably mounted in the support block from a front side of the device main body, and a discharge needle unit is detachably mounted from a reversed direction thereto. The discharge needle unit has a holder, in which the discharge electrode is provided, and a sleeve, which forms an ion generating space between the opposite electrode and the sleeve, is detachably mounted in the holder. Air supplied from an outside is supplied to the ion generating space via a flow path in the air supply pipe.

Abstract: A dual power source pulse generator in power connection with a pair of electrodes having a first electrode, a second electrode and an air gap therebetween. The dual power source pulse generator includes a first pulse source producing a high voltage low current pulse across the pair of electrodes to allow dielectric breakdown, and a second pulse source electrically connected in parallel with an output of the first pulse source, and producing a low voltage high current pulse to thereby produce a current flow of high-density plasma between the same electrodes of the pair of electrodes in response to the high voltage low current pulse.

Abstract: A neutralizer 1 includes: a power supply circuit 11; an output controlling circuit 12 configured to convert a DC voltage generated by the power supply circuit 11 to a high-frequency voltage with frequency equal to or higher than an audible frequency, and thus to output the resultant high-frequency voltage alternately to two output lines at regular intervals; a transforming circuit 13 configured to raise the high-frequency voltage; a discharger 20 including 2n (n is an integer equal to one or more) discharge needles configured to output positive ions in response to application of a positive polarity voltage, and to output negative ions in response to application of a negative polarity voltage, the discharge needles being disposed while being divided into first and second groups each including n discharge needles; a polarity reversing circuit 14 configured to convert the high-frequency high voltage outputted from the transforming circuit 13, to two rectangular-wave DC high voltages with different polarities dur

Abstract: An aerodynamic ion generator is disclosed. The generator includes an electric motor coupled to a propeller for placing in an airflow to generate electrical energy, with ionizing electrodes coupled to the propeller; a generator powered by the electric motor for generating AC high-voltage; an electrical transmission arrangement for transmitting the AC high voltage to the ionizing electrodes of different polarities; and a cleaning device that includes arms, each of the arms for cleaning a corresponding ionizing electrode of the ionizing electrodes and pivotally attached to a shaft located on the propeller wherein most of the mass of the arm is closer to a cleaning end of the arm than to the shaft that arm is attached to.

Abstract: An ion generating element includes a positive ion discharger for generating positive ions and a negative ion discharger for generating negative ions. The ion dischargers are arranged separately from and independently of each other with a distance securing insulation between them. At least one of the dischargers includes a discharging portion for causing electric discharge, and a conducting portion having a voltage same as the discharging portion. The conducting portion surrounds a perimeter or part of the discharging portion. The conducting portion may surround a perimeter or part of the discharging portion so as to partition the ion dischargers from each other.

Abstract: An ionizer includes two needle electrodes, and a high voltage generating unit for applying a first AC voltage to one of the needle electrodes, and for applying a second AC voltage, having a frequency higher than a frequency of the first AC voltage, to another of the needle electrodes. Static charge of a charged body is eliminated by releasing generated positive ions or negative ions, which are generated in the vicinity of the needle electrodes, toward the body.

Abstract: A charging device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; an insulating body that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein either the first electrode or the second electrode includes an opening portion that is formed so as to open toward a first direction in which the first electrode, the insulating body, and the second electrode are laminated, and the insulating body includes a region limiting portion which is a space that communicates with the opening portion, and opens toward a direction in which the region limiting portion communicates with the opening portion, and is limited in a second direction vertical to the first direction.

Abstract: There is provided a static eliminator for accurately detecting a contamination condition of a discharge electrode, in which a target value as a target frame ground current value is changed from, for example, zero as a reference alternately to the plus side and the minus side to such a degree as not to affect the ion balance of a workpiece, and the follow-up time, namely a phase delay, with respect to the change in target value differs depending on the contamination condition of the discharge electrode, and becomes longer with the progress of the contamination, and by use of this characteristic, a plurality of thresholds are prepared and compared with a detected frame ground current value, so as to detect the contamination condition of the discharge electrode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ion wind fan includes a wire emitter electrode held in tension and a collector electrode having a row of openings oriented along the direction of the row of openings, the openings having an elongated oval shape having a straight portion and a rounded portion. In one embodiment, the wire emitter electrode and the collector electrode are attached to an isolator so that the row of openings is substantially centered above the wire emitter electrode.

Abstract: An aerodynamic ion generator is disclosed. The generator includes an electric motor coupled to a propeller for placing in an airflow to generate electrical energy, with ionizing electrodes coupled to the propeller; a generator powered by the electric motor for generating AC high-voltage; an electrical transmission arrangement for transmitting the AC high voltage to the ionizing electrodes of different polarities; and a cleaning device that includes arms, each of the arms for cleaning a corresponding ionizing electrode of the ionizing electrodes and pivotally attached to a shaft located on the propeller wherein most of the mass of the arm is closer to a cleaning end of the arm than to the shaft that arm is attached to.

Abstract: A negative ion generating device includes a housing having a number of water flowing passages, a number of electrically conductive boards engaged with sockets of the housing and electrically coupled to negative and conductive electricity respectively and disposed alternatively with each other for generating an electromagnetic field in the water, a copper plate is disposed in the housing and disposed above the electrically conductive boards for attracting and removing positive ions and for generating negative ions, and a processor device coupled to the conductive boards for receiving signals and for controlling the conductive boards.

Abstract: Discharge electrodes for generating ion and a member for cleaning the discharge electrodes are mounted on an electrode support frame, which is detachably attached to the case of an ionizer. When the electrode support frame is attached to the case, the cleaning member occupies a retraction position where the cleaning member does not shut off or disturb air that is supplied from a fan. Upon the detachment of the electrode support frame from the case, the cleaning member becomes moveable. Then, the cleaning member is moved while being brought into contact with the discharging parts of the discharge electrodes one after another. As a result, the cleaning member sweeps dust or other particles off the discharging parts thereof.

Abstract: An ion-generating device has a positive electrode pair and a negative electrode pair. The positive electrode pair and the negative electrode pair are disposed in a casing with a space interposed therebetween, such that an induction electrode in the positive electrode pair and an induction electrode in the negative electrode pair are separated from each other. It is thereby possible to obtain an ion-generating device and an electrical apparatus, capable of efficiently emitting both of positive ions and negative ions to an outside of the device, and easily achieving reduction in size and thickness.

Abstract: Self-balancing, corona discharge for the stable production of electrically balanced and ultra-clean ionized gas streams is disclosed. This result is achieved by promoting the electronic conversion of free electrons into negative ions without adding oxygen or another electronegative gas to the gas stream. The invention may be used with electronegative and/or electropositive or noble gas streams and may include the use of a closed loop corona discharge control system.

Abstract: An article with an etch resistant coating is disclosed. The article is a heating element, wafer carrier, or electrostatic chuck. The article has a base substrate made of a ceramic or other material, and further has one or more electrodes for resistance heating or electromagnetic chucking or both. The eth resistant coating has a plurality of regions made from materials having different electrical volume resistivities, such that the overall coating has a bulk resistivity that can be tailored by varying the relative size of each region.

Abstract: In an ion generation apparatus, an induction electrode for generating positive ions and an induction electrode for generating negative ions are each formed as an independent part and separately mounted on a substrate. Therefore, even if the substrate is warped with changes in temperature, tip end portions of needle electrodes can be positioned at the centers of through holes in the induction electrodes, respectively, and positive ions and negative ions can be stably generated.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus includes an ion generating element having a positive ion discharger for generating positive ions, and a negative ion discharger for generating negative ions. The positive ion discharger and the negative ion discharger are arranged separately from and independently of each other on a base member with a distance securing insulation between the positive and negative dischargers. The ion generating apparatus also includes a blower for releasing the ions generated by the positive and negative ion dischargers into air and a voltage application circuit. The blower blows wind in a direction parallel to a surface of the base member.

Abstract: To improve the configuration of electrodes disposed in the fluid channel of EHD pumps, and to reduce of the fluid channel of EHD pumps, as well as to reduce the cost of producing EHD pumps, and to increase the pumping pressure of EHD pumps.

Abstract: A substrate support has an electrostatic chuck comprising an electrostatic puck with a dielectric covering an electrode capable of being charged to energize a process gas. The chuck has a frontside surface to receive a substrate and a base plate having an annular flange. A spring loaded heat transfer plate contacts the base plate, and has a fluid channel comprising first and second spiral channels. A pedestal is below the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: One or more emitter electrodes of an ion wind fan can be held in tension by using a slider mechanism in contact with a compression spring. In one embodiment, an ion wind fan has an isolator with a cavity, and the slider movably located in the cavity. The fan further includes a spring located in the cavity, so that the slider compresses the spring when the slider moves in the cavity. An emitter wire is then attached to the isolator and to the slider so that the emitter is in tension.

Abstract: An ionizer is formed by coupling a fan unit provided with a discharge electrode and a fan and a control unit provided with an indicator and an adjuster to each other, and both units are changeable between a normal coupling condition, where both are directed in the same direction, and an opposite coupling condition, where they are directed in opposite directions to each other, and in addition, a power/signal arrangement of the connection terminals of the separate connector is bilaterally symmetrical such that same power and signals ale transmitted and received between the separate connectors of both units connected to each other in either coupling condition of aforementioned both units.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck electrode sheet which allows the difference in capacitance between electrodes due to the presence or absence of a substrate to be increased to a level which can be accurately detected using a known substrate detection device, and allows an electrostatic chuck to exhibit an excellent attraction force, and an electrostatic chuck using the electrode sheet, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating strongly-ionized plasmas are disclosed. A strongly-ionized plasma generator according to one embodiment includes a chamber for confining a feed gas. An anode and a cathode assembly are positioned inside the chamber. A pulsed power supply is electrically connected between the anode and the cathode assembly. The pulsed power supply generates a multi-stage voltage pulse that includes a low-power stage with a first peak voltage having a magnitude and a rise time that is sufficient to generate a weakly-ionized plasma from the feed gas. The multi-stage voltage pulse also includes a transient stage with a second peak voltage having a magnitude and a rise time that is sufficient to shift an electron energy distribution in the weakly-ionized plasma to higher energies that increase an ionization rate which results in a rapid increase in electron density and a formation of a strongly-ionized plasma.

Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.

Abstract: A method and device for impeding the progress of a swimmer or a diver included a plurality of tendrils that can be launched into the path of a target and entangle the target.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a method of de-chucking a wafer by alternating between using a direct voltage and an alternating voltage, and an apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. The method of de-chucking a wafer comprises interrupting a chucking voltage applied to an electrostatic chuck, applying a first de-chucking voltage to the electrostatic chuck, and applying a second de-chucking voltage to the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A processing system and method. The processing system includes a processing tool, an electrostatic chuck (ESC) arranged within the processing tool, and a system that at least one of detects at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC and determines when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The method includes at least one of detecting at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC, and determining when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The system and method can be used in real time ESC and plasma processing diagnostics to minimize yield loss and wafer scrap.

Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2?(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.

Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line. The conductive line is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor to adjust the altitude of the aircraft. The conductive line is isolated from the ground and an electrical conductor is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load. In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted air purifier 1 includes a main unit incorporating an ion generator. The main unit is removably arranged within a passenger space inside a vehicle. For example, if a beverage container holder 90 is provided inside the vehicle, the main unit can be removably arranged within the passenger space when given a cylindrical shape that permits it to be held in the beverage container 90. The power from which the vehicle-mounted air purifier 1 operates can be taken from a cigarette lighter power outlet 91 provided inside the vehicle through a connection cable 92. The main unit is thus arranged directly within the passenger space, and the ions generated by the ion generator inside are fed into the passenger space with higher efficiency. The main unit is removably arranged as an independent unit. Thus, even when the ion generator breaks down or otherwise its replacement becomes necessary, the arranged ion generator can be removed readily and replaced easily.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck device provided with a dielectric plate with a surface embossed to give it a plurality of projections, an electrode, and an external power source, wherein substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections are covered by conductor wiring and the conductor wiring electrically connects the substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections. At the time of substrate processing, when the embossed projections contact the back of the substrate, the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring is made the same in potential due to the migration of the charges, the generation of force between the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring being in contact with the same is prevented, and a rubbing state between the two is prevented. Due to this, the electrostatic chuck device reduces the generation of particles, easily and stably removes and conveys substrates, and realizes a high yield and system operating rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing law enforcement and private citizens with a single device that integrates law enforcement tools and mechanisms for the application of force. An exemplary device features a metal detector, a light emitting source optionally having a strobe feature, an electric stun system, and a debilitating spray dispensing system. Some embodiments of the present invention include an electric stun system comprising a plurality of probes mounted to the distal terminus of the shaft and configured to protrude from the shaft, a plurality of plates configured longitudinally along the outer surface of the shaft, and a stun system switch disposed on the shaft. Some embodiments of the present invention include the debilitating spray dispensing system comprising at least one nozzle and a dispensing switch disposed on the handle. Some embodiments of the present invention include a handle comprising an ergonomic grip and a guard.

Abstract: The photoelectron generating plate includes on a substrate a photoelectron emission layer for emitting photoelectrons by the illumination of the light and having a barrier property. A diffusion of a material of an underlying base member into the photoelectron emission layer is blocked by the barrier layer and thus the surface of the photoelectron emission layer is prevented from being coated by the material of the base member. As a result, temporal reduction in the number of generated negative ions can be considerably ameliorated. In other words, the charge removing device attains a good durability for a long time.

Abstract: An electron emitting element of the present invention includes an electron acceleration layer sandwiched between an electrode substrate and a thin-film electrode, and the electron acceleration layer includes a fine particle layer containing insulating fine particles and a basic dispersant. This makes it possible to provide an electron emitting element which does not cause insulation breakdown in an insulating layer and which can be produced at a low cost.

Abstract: An electron emitting element of the present invention includes an electron acceleration layer that includes insulating fine particles but does not include conductive fine particles, the electron acceleration layer being provided between an electrode substrate and a thin-film electrode. This electron emitting element accelerates electrons in the electron acceleration layer and emits the electrons from the thin-film electrode, when a voltage is applied between the electrode substrate and the thin-film electrode. Accordingly, the electron emitting element of the present invention makes dielectric breakdown hard to occur. Further, this electron emitting element is produced easily at low cost and capable of emitting a steady and sufficient amount of electrons.

Abstract: A concealable electric shock device is described. The concealable electric shock device includes a housing that allows a user to affix the device against the user's body to “electrify” the user. The device is formed to accommodate a DC power source (e.g., 12 volt battery) and convert the DC power to a high-voltage AC power. Both a primary on/off switch and a secondary on/off switch (e.g., magnetic reed switch) are included to allow a user to selectively become electrified. Additionally, a user-side electrical contact is attached with the housing to provide AC power directly to a user's body. A flash system (e.g., flash bulb) is also included to allow a user to selectively generate a flash effect. Finally, a messaging system (e.g., vibrator motor) is included to allow a user's assistant to discreetly provide messages to the user, thereby providing the illusion of mentalism.

Abstract: A voltage converter having a sealed case, a pair of opposing, spaced apart planar electrodes located within the sealed case, a pack of porous dielectric powder filled between the planar electrodes, and an auxiliary electrode electrically connected to one of the planar electrodes and having a portion extending through the pack of porous dielectric powder toward the other planar electrode. When a DC high voltage is applied to one of the planar electrodes, a DC source voltage containing a specific pulsating component is outputted from the other planar electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is related to preventing dust agglomeration on a sharp electrode which is used for generating corona. According to certain aspects, the invention includes a dust shroud which decreases or prevents dust accumulation on the sharp electrodes. The dust shroud changes the gas flow path so as to reduce the amount of gas passing near the sharp electrode. An advantage of the shroud is that it prevents dust from building up on the electrodes. The shroud is a simple, passive addition to the electrostatic pump, such that the pump is otherwise able to operate normally throughout its life. In embodiments, the shroud can be used to protect a corona electrode used in heat sink applications especially in electronics cooling. It can also be used in electrostatic precipitators for cleaning dust or chemical or microbe particles from air.