Abstract: A method of converting atmospheric electrical discharge to a useable form of energy by arresting, storage and retransmission of lightning induced electrical discharge is disclosed. The invention discloses methods of deploying this technology even in isolated locations where no electricity infrastructure exists. Additionally, the potential for achieving in excess of 1 GWe of electrical power supply at costs orders of magnitude lower than fossil fuel or solar is also disclosed. Isolated collection units are disclosed. A method of deployment of these devices on individual cars and recharge stations is disclosed which in effect unplugs these automotive and recharge stations from the grid. This capability significantly decreases their dependence on the electricity grid infrastructure, enabling a much more enhanced rollout capability for the industry. The concept of Energy Dams is disclosed.

Abstract: The ionizer includes a nozzle having a discharge electrode for inducing corona discharge by application of high voltage to eject ions, an emission port for emitting supplied gas together with the ejected ions, and a gas channel for guiding supplied gas to the emission port. Herein, a velocity of flow of the gas immediately after emission from the emission port exceeds a velocity of sound, and a gas pressure at the emission port is not less than an atmospheric pressure. The gas channel has a throat part for narrowing the gas channel such that a channel area gradually decreases, and a ratio of the atmospheric pressure to a gas pressure at a position where the channel area does not vary, the position being located forward of the throat part, is not more than 0.528.

Abstract: An air ionizer electrode assembly (10; 50; 60) comprising an inner electrode (11; 52; 66), at least one outer electrode (14, 15; 54; 61) and a dielectric barrier (12, 13; 53; 64) sandwiched between the inner electrode and the at least one outer electrode. The inner electrode has a continuous overall surface and the at least one outer electrode has a plurality of holes (21; 56; 70) to provide a plurality of ion generating points for generation of negative ions.

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 apparatus for modification of the atmospheric humidity profile via creating updrafts of moistened air is provided. The apparatus is based on a capacitor of a Van der Graaf generator which, with the aid of air ionizers comprising a source of alpha particles, produces a unipolar atmospheric electric current of a magnitude sufficient to achieve selective moisture transport. Operating such an apparatus augments or creates a moisture updraft, which may lead to the formation of new clouds and/or an increase in supersaturation in existing clouds, thus enhancing the development of precipitation and/or facilitating the inflow of the evaporated moisture from a water reservoir inland.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable ionizer worn in the vicinity of the human face, including, for example, a necklace to diffuse concentrations of negative ions in the facial area of the wearer where the ions are beneficial. As a consequence of this capacity to focus the ion flux, fewer ions must be produced by the source to obtain the benefit to the wearer because of a greater local concentration. The necklace ionizer is given a pleasing external appearance and a useful purpose, such as an advertising display. The negative ions are generated by a high-voltage alternate frequency ion generating needle. A control module including a power management system, a transformer, and a multiplier is used to minimize power drain on a rechargeable battery. Other features of the power management system include an LED display shut-off, battery voltage cut-off, management of needle life, and management of power supply drain time through frequency modulation or voltage control.

Abstract: An ionization device with increased rigidity of a coupling portion is provided. The ionization device includes a casing member for applying high voltage to each needle electrode; a coupling member for mechanically coupling a plurality of casing members in a longitudinal direction and electrically connecting high voltage plates of the respective casing members; and a elongated main body casing for housing a casing body constituted by coupling the plurality of casing members with the coupling member and the electrical circuit unit, the main body casing having the needle electrodes with a space from each other in the longitudinal direction and protruding outside. The main body casing integrally forms a space for arranging the casing body therein so as to be separated from a space for arranging the electrical circuit unit.

Abstract: An ionizing blow-off gun including a barrel having an open rearward end for drawing in ambient air and an open forward end for discharging an ionized airstream, an air induction device downstream from the open rearward end, a compressed gas pathway connected to the air induction device, a self-contained ionization system, and a lock coupled to a battery. The self-contained ionization system includes a removable emitter pin positioned downstream from the air induction device, a high voltage, alternating current power supply coupled to the emitter pin to provide the operating voltage for the emitter pin, a battery connected to the power supply, and a switch that allows electric current from the battery to flow into the power supply. In the locked position, the lock disconnects the battery from the power supply so the emitter pin can be removed without electric current flowing.

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 electronic apparatus of the present invention includes an ion generator which generates ions in an atmosphere to remove chemical emission such as VOC and odor. The ion generator is arranged inside the duct which leads the chemical emission generated from the fixing unit to the discharge opening, and also generates positive ions and negative ions in the atmosphere, thereby can efficiently remove the chemical emission. With this arrangement, an electronic apparatus is realized which sufficiently suppresses the chemical emission such as VOC and odor, and is less likely to dirty the surroundings of the electronic apparatus such as the outer surface thereof and the walls surrounding the electronic apparatus.

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: In one embodiment, an air mover may include a first electrode, a second electrode and an ionization device to selectively ionize molecules in an electric field between the first and second electrodes. The ionized molecules can drive airflow between the first and second electrodes. In certain embodiments, the ionization device has an operational characteristic that prevents ionization of oxygen so that the airflow is ozone-free.

Abstract: Structures for reducing the effect of charged surfaces near the electrodes on the performance efficiency of an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) device are disclosed. The potential levels on surfaces of an electronic device near the EHD electrodes are varied with respect to a function of the combination of distance from the emitter and the distance from the collector. The potential levels may be constant, may vary in discrete steps, may be continuously variable along the length between the EHD electrodes and beyond the electrodes, and may vary with respect to time.

Abstract: An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation.

Abstract: An ionic wind generator that ionizes air particles by multiple pins connected to a positive voltage source, and accelerating the ionized air particles and surrounding non-ionized air particles towards a heat sink attached to a heat source such as a semiconductor chip. A pin assembly of the ionic wind generator includes a substrate and multiple pins secured thereto. The pin assembly has passages or perforations that allow air to flow into the ionic wind generator in a longitudinal direction of the pin to reduce resistance from the multiple pins. A heat sink is connected to a low voltage source or ground to attract the ionized air particles. The ionized air particles impinge on the surface of the heat sink and cool the heat sink. An ion lens may also be disposed between the substrate and the heat sink to accelerate the ionized air particles to a higher speed. The ionic wind generator is capable of dissipating heat effectively, and obviates the need for a fan to force the air to the heat sink.

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: Emitter electrodes of ion wind fans can operate at high voltages in ionized environments. This can lead to degradation of the emitter electrodes over time. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an ion wind fan having a primary emitter electrode, and a redundant emitter electrode. The primary emitter electrode and the redundant emitter electrode are never simultaneously operational.

Abstract: An apparatus for modification of the atmospheric humidity profile via creating updrafts of moistened air is provided. The apparatus is based on a capacitor of a Van der Graaf generator which, with the aid of air ionizers comprising a source of alpha particles, produces a unipolar atmospheric electric current of a magnitude sufficient to achieve selective moisture transport. Operating such an apparatus augments or creates a moisture updraft, which may lead to the formation of new clouds and/or an increase in supersaturation in existing clouds, thus enhancing the development of precipitation and/or facilitating the inflow of the evaporated moisture from a water reservoir inland.

Abstract: A static eliminator that can be placed at a close distance capable of eliminating static electricity while preventing furious elevation of the surface electric potential of a work when the static eliminator is placed at a close distance to the work. A cover formed by an electro conductive porous material covering discharge needles is attached to a holding member in which a plurality of the discharge needles are provided and air blowing openings for ejecting air around the discharge needles are provided. The cover evenly discharges ionized air from the surface of the cover, and is electrically connected to ground to have a function for absorbing a part of generated ions.

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: In an ionizer, in which an electrode cartridge having a pair of electrodes is mounted in an electrode-attaching opening of a housing so as to be freely attached and detached by means of rotating the same around a center axial line, a drop-off prevention cover is attached to the housing. In the drop-off prevention cover, a fitting hole, to which the electrode cartridge is fitted, is formed, and by means of limiting a rotation of the electrode cartridge by the fitting hole, the electrode cartridge is prevented from dropping off.

Abstract: An ion generator to generate ion flow to ventilate heat comprises an emitter, a receiver and a power supply. The emitter comprises a needle electrode having one needle shaped tip configured as a discharging portion. The receiver comprises a plurality of flow channels for airflow and at least one receiving portion. The at least one receiving portion comprises a line edge arranged around a concave spherical surface, and the discharging portion is at a substantial center of the concave spherical surface. The power supply provides a voltage potential difference between the discharging portion of the emitter and the receiving portions of the receiver.

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 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: 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: The present invention provides an electron emitting element which has good energy efficiency and which is capable of controlling a value of current flowing in an electron acceleration layer and an amount of emitted electrons by adjusting a resistance value of the electron acceleration layer and an amount of generated ballistic electrons. An electron emitting element 1 includes an electron acceleration layer 4 including a fine particle layer containing insulating fine particles. In the electron emitting element 1, Ie=?·R?0.

Abstract: According to an electron emitting element of the present invention, an electron acceleration layer sandwiched between an electrode substrate and a thin-film electrode contains (i) insulating fine particles and (ii) at least one of (a) conductive fine particles having an average particle diameter smaller than an average particle diameter of the insulating fine particles and (b) a basic dispersant. The electron acceleration layer has a surface roughness of 0.2 ?m or less in centerline average roughness (Ra). The thin-film electrode has a film thickness of 100 nm or less. As such, according to the electron emitting element of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the thin-film electrode to an appropriate thickness. Accordingly, it is possible to increase electron emission.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing static electricity includes an ionizer that generates ions for neutralizing static electricity, a blower that produces a current of air for moving the ions to a desired location, and a motion detector operatively connected to the blower. Upon detecting motion, the motion detector activates the blower, which disperses ions to reduce static electricity at the desired location. The apparatus can include a heater for heating the current of ionized air. In addition, the motion detector can be operatively linked to the ionizer and heater so that they are also activated upon detection of motion. The blower can be linked to a timer such that it runs for a predetermined amount of time upon activation by the motion detector, or the blower can run continuously until the motion detector no longer detects any motion. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing static electricity around fuel dispensers.

Abstract: A method produces a bipolar ionic atmosphere using a dielectric barrier discharge, and to a device suitable for carrying out the method. The solution for achieving this aim is to trigger an electrical surface discharge at more or less regular intervals on the wall of a channel through which a gaseous medium flows. The flow channel is formed by a dielectric and a wall electrode such that the channel wall consists in the direction of flow alternately of a conductive electrode material and a dielectric. In principle it will suffice if the channel is formed of only one dielectric and one conductive section which adjoin each other. The electrical surface discharge is triggered by a second electrode which is separated by the dielectric from the wall electrode and the flow channel, and to which a temporally varying high voltage is applied by an impulse generator.

Abstract: An electron emitting element (1) includes a substrate (2), an upper electrode (3), and a fine particle layer (4) sandwiched between the substrate (2) and the upper electrode (3). The fine particle layer (4) includes metal fine particles (6) with high resistance to oxidation, and insulating fine particles (5) larger in size than the metal fine particles (6). The electron emitting element (1) can steadily emit electrons not only in vacuum but also in the atmosphere. Further, the electron emitting element (1) can work without electric discharge so that harmful substances such as ozone, NOx, or the like are scarcely generated. Accordingly, degradation of the electron emitting element (1) due to oxidation does not occur. Therefore, the electron emitting element (1) has a long life and can steadily work continuously for a long period of time even in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an ion cooling system for cooling system components of the device. Through an arrangement, ionization of an air flow caused by the ion cooling can be determined and the electrostatic charge on the components that are located within the air flow can be measured.

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.

Abstract: A light to plug into a wall socket having a negative ion generator in the form of a pin. The pin design can be easily cleaned with a swab and cleaning solution such as rubbing alcohol, eliminating the need to trim or clean a brush electrode when corrosion or deposits form. The negative ion generator is always on and produces the negative ions to purify the air. The device can have a light sensor to activate the light when light is low. The device can also come with light emitting diodes which can be set to indicate the status of the various systems of the device. The device can come equipped with an air freshener that disperses vaporized perfume into the air.

Abstract: A wearable suit apparatus incorporating one or more user-operated solid state tesla coils includes a full body clothing article constructed of integrated, conductive shielding material. An on board power supply such as a battery pack powers the one or more solid state tesla coils, which are connected to the suit such that the entire suit is held at or near the same potential as the base of the secondary coil(s) of the SSTC(s), thereby protecting the wearer from injury from the high voltage.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ionizer having a cleaning system for cleaning an electrode needle of the ionizer automatically or remotely, while also being compact in size. The cleaning system (6) has a rotating member (61) configured to coaxially rotate with the fan (3), a plurality of rods (62a to 62d) attached to the rotating member (61) such that each rod extends radially from the rotating member, and brushes (63a to 63d) each attached to the end of each rod. The rotating member (61) is driven by an electromagnetic solenoid (64) via a coupling means (66).

Abstract: An ionizer and an air conditioning system for automotive vehicles using the same are provided to reduce generation of positive ions detrimental to the human body to the greatest possible degree. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioning case, an evaporator for cooling an air blown through an internal passageway of the air conditioning case, and an ionizer including a negative ion discharge electrode and a positive ion discharge electrode for emitting negative ions and positive ions toward the evaporator. The electrodes are arranged on an upstream side of the evaporator in a spaced-apart relationship with each other. The positive ion discharge electrode has an ion generation portion formed in a smaller number than the number of an ion generation portion of the negative ion discharge electrode so that the quantity of positive ions generated in the positive ion discharge electrode can be smaller than the quantity of negative ions generated in the negative ion discharge electrode.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for automotive vehicles includes an air conditioning case having an internal passageway and an ionizer for emitting positive ions and negative ions into the internal passageway of the air conditioning case. The ionizer includes a main body and first and second discharge electrodes extending from the main body into the internal passageway in a spaced-apart relationship with each other. The air conditioning system further includes an electric short preventing arrangement for preventing moisture positioned in and around the first and second discharge electrodes from causing electric short between the first and second discharge electrodes. The electric short preventing arrangement comprises a water drainage rib for draining the moisture condensed in and around the first and second discharge electrodes to prevent the electric short between the first and second discharge electrodes.

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: Disclosed is a fine electrode body which is good in ion generation efficiency, maintenancability and handleability, and enables to reduce cost and the required installation space. Also disclosed are an ion generator using such a fine electrode body and a neutralization apparatus. Specifically disclosed is a fine electrode body wherein a discharge electrode, which is composed of a linear conductive member having a plurality of fine projections, and an induction electrode, which is composed of a linear conductive member arranged opposite to the discharge electrode, are arranged on a dielectric body. One or more of such fine electrode bodies are arranged on a sheet-like or film-like supporting body. Also specifically disclosed are an ion generator using such a fine electrode body and a neutralization apparatus.

Abstract: In some embodiments a thermal device such as a heat sink cools an electronic device. An electrokinetic airflow generating device uses a positively charged source and also uses at least a portion of the thermal device as a negatively charged or grounded probe to provide electrokinetically driven airflow. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for modification of the atmospheric humidity profile via creating updrafts of moistened air is provided. The apparatus is based on a capacitor of a Van der Graaf generator which, with the aid of air ionizers comprising a source of alpha particles, produces a unipolar atmospheric electric current of a magnitude sufficient to achieve selective moisture transport. Operating such an apparatus augments or creates a moisture updraft, which may lead to the formation of new clouds and/or an increase in supersaturation in existing clouds, thus enhancing the development of precipitation and/or facilitating the inflow of the evaporated moisture from a water reservoir inland.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the output of an ionizing blower. A measuring channel captures a portion of the air ion stream, and measures balance plus air ion current. Since the measurement channel is isolated from extraneous electrostatic fields, measurements contain less analytical noise. Air flow through the measurement chamber is created by the inherent pressure difference between the high pressure and low pressure sides of an air mover. Two electrodes inside the measurement chamber are combined with a power supply, a low current amplifier, and a controller. The controller also makes adjustments to the ionizing blower.

Abstract: In an ion generator, a high-voltage electrode with a contact portion is disposed on a first main surface of an insulating substrate and is connected to a wire electrode, and a ground electrode covered with an insulating film is disposed on a second main surface of the insulating substrate. The ground electrode is electrically connected to a contact portion on the first main surface via a through hole. By disposing the high-voltage electrode and the ground electrode on different surfaces, the occurrence of an undesirable leakage current flowing from the high-voltage electrode to the ground electrode is prevented.

Abstract: An ion generating element capable of cost reduction and space saving while exhibiting a high generation efficiency of positive ions and negative ions and stabilized generation capacity with less variation, and an ion generator and a neutralizer employing it. The ion generating element comprises a dielectric body having at least two faces, at least two discharge electrodes arranged on the at least two faces of the dielectric body, and an induction electrode arranged in the dielectric body and subjected to the action of the at least two discharge electrodes and is characterized in that positive ions and negative ions are generated on the body, and ions are generated from the at least two faces of the dielectric body through discharge generated because of the potential difference between the discharge electrode of the ion generating element and the induction electrode when a drive voltage is applied between them.

Abstract: A novel vehicle which is suitable for transporting and/or temporarily storing objects such as masks or reticles and is effective in eliminating or preventing electrostatic discharges on the masks, reticles or other objects. The vehicle includes a frame for receiving the objects and at least one ESD eliminator provided on the frame for neutralizing electrostatic charges on the objects. Neutralization of the electrostatic charges prevents electrostatic discharges from damaging microelectronic circuits, for example, on the masks, reticles or other objects.

Abstract: A multichannel spark-gap with multiple intervals for use in pulsed high-power generators of the LTD family. The spark-gap includes a sealed chamber, two discharge electrodes connected to electrical connecting elements, and a number of intermediate electrodes arranged uniformly inside the sealed chamber. One of the intermediate electrodes is called triggering electrode and is connected to triggering elements enabling the spark-gap to be fired. The triggering electrode further includes integral pipes enabling a gas to be distributed inside the chamber, so as to improve the voltage strength of the spark-gap. The spark-gap is characterised in that the negative discharge electrode includes a corona effect device equipped with needles whereof the geometry is adapted to compensate for the differences in shape between the negative discharge electrode and the immediately adjacent intermediate electrode so as to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the potentials inside the sealed chamber.

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: The present invention relates to a protective ionizing device, or protective static eliminator, and methods, systems, apparatus and kits using the device. The device has a surface having a series of (e.g., one or more) grooves or gaps, each groove defines a space; and a multiplicity of ionizing points suspended in the space, just below the upper surface of the device. The ionizing points can be suspended on braided microfibers, on an extruded surface in the groove, on an elastic cord, or on a wire core. The device is useful for the efficient elimination of static charge build-up on a surface of insulative material while maintaining and protecting the ionizing points.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes an ion generator arranged in a path from an inlet port to an outlet port, a humidifying filter arranged in the path at a position closer to the inlet port than the ion generator, a dust sensor and an odor sensor for detecting impureness of air, and a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. When impureness is detected by the dust sensor and the odor sensor and when the temperature and the humidity attain a specific state (YES at S06 to S08), a fan motor is driven such that water is supplied to the ion generator in an amount larger than when the specific state is not attained (S14).