Abstract: The invention is directed towards an efficient and ozone free ion generator in which the ion emitter is open to the surrounding space while the collector is provided by electrical ground remote and away from the ion emitter. In the case of a household generator, the ground is the electrical ground of the house. In the case of a car generator, the ground is the car frame. A safety circuit is arranged to turn the high voltage off if a hand or other body member (or pet) comes near or touches the exposed emitter to prevent electrical shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ion generation are adapted such that an ionization process is controlled temporally, to first initiate, then to halt the breakdown of the gas before a destructive plasma or glow is formed. This method controls the release of energy to the gas in such a manner as to create ions but prevent the heating of the gas. The primary advantages of this ion generation mechanism are its simplicity, efficiency and its ability to create ions at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A negative ions generating circuit design with decreasing high frequency noise includes a power indication circuit, an oscillation circuit, an amplifying circuit and a radial frequency filtering circuit. The power indicating circuit, the oscillation circuit and the amplifying circuit are used for generating negative ions. The radial frequency filtering circuit has a capacitance to be utilized for limiting the high frequency in a coil so that the high frequency will not be amplified by through the transistor of the oscillation circuit. The coil creates an inductance to limit the high frequency so as to effectively eliminate the high frequency created by the oscillation circuit.

Abstract: An ion-generating component has, on an insulating substrate, a ground electrode, a high-voltage electrode, an insulating film provided on the surface of the ground electrode, and a wire electrode. A cutout is formed by cutting out one side of the insulating substrate. The root of the wire electrode is soldered to the high-voltage electrode, and the leading end thereof is positioned near the cutout. The wire electrode is made of an ultrafine wire having a diameter of about 100 ?m or less, for example, a piano wire, a tungsten wire, a stainless wire, or a titanium wire.

Abstract: An ionizer includes an alternating current (AC) voltage source having an output outputting a waveform with a positive half-cycle and a negative half-cycle, an electrode electrically coupled to the output of the AC voltage source, a reference proximate the electrode and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a return current nulling node electrically coupled to the output of the AC voltage source and the reference, a ground node separately electrically coupled to ground, a positive ion current sensor and a negative ion current sensor. The positive ion current sense node is configured to output a positive ion signal proportionate to a sensed positive ion current. The negative ion current sense node is configured to output a negative ion signal proportionate to a sensed negative ion current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating positive and negative ions, the method comprising: generating ac high voltage; providing different polarity of the high-voltage to at least one pair of ionizing electrodes mounted in separate conducting cages located adjacent to each other, each of the cages provided with an opening opposite the electrode; balancing ion currents emitted by each of the electrodes by providing a balancing unit, output from the ac high voltage being via the balancing unit to the electrodes, each electrode provided with different polarity; and generating an external electric field by using the ion current from each electrode across to the cage in which the electrode is mounted, passing through an element for producing a voltage drop, whereby some of the ions generated from the electrodes escape outside the cages due to the presence of electric field between the cages.

Abstract: The ion chip has an ionizing structure in intimate electrical and physical contact with a conductor. The ionizing structure is either a carbon fiber layer or ionizing needles or both. The conductor may be a bare metal wire, a metal plate or a metal layer on a base insulation layer. A high voltage unipolar generator, usually negative, but possibly positive, supplies voltage to conductor and ionizing structure to generate ions. Guide strips confine, contain and protect the ionizing structure within a channel in which the ionizing structure is recessed. The metal layer can extend beyond the guide strips to provide electrostatic focussing power. Alternatively a distinct metal layer outside the channel and separated from the conductor and the ionizing structure by interruption blocks on the surface of the base insulation layer, is charged to greater voltage to provide greater focussing power. Typically the ion chip generates negative ions for air purification.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaning device includes an array of electrodes. The electrodes include corona electrodes connected to a suitable source of high voltage so as to generate a corona discharge. Laterally displaced collecting electrodes include one or more bulges that have aerodynamic frontal “upwind” surfaces and airflow disrupting tailing edges downwind that create quite zones for the collection of particulates removed from the air. The bulges may be formed as rounded leading edges on the collecting electrodes and/or as ramped surfaces located, for example, along a midsection of the electrodes. Repelling electrodes positioned between pairs of the collecting electrodes may include similar bulges such as cylindrical or semi-cylindrical leading and/or trailing edges.

Abstract: An ion generating unit is made compact, yet avoids the undesired arc discharge for successfully generating the ions. The ion generating unit includes a dielectric base having a length and carrying a needle electrode and a ground electrode. The needle electrode has a pointed tip and is adapted to receive a high electric voltage relative to the ground electrode for electrically charging particles present in the surrounding air. The dielectric base being a polyhedron having multiple faces including a first face and a second face which are different from each other and have the length of the dielectric base. The needle electrode is mounted on or in a closely adjacent relation to the first face, and has its pointed tip directing forwardly along the length of the dielectric base with the pointed tip receded from the front end of the base. The ground electrode is mounted at the front end of the base in longitudinally spaced relation with the pointed tip.

Abstract: A switching transformer applies an alternating high voltage across an internal electrode and an external electrode which face each other with a glass tube as a dielectric body between them. The anode side of a diode is connected to the external electrode which is not a voltage supply side electrode, while the cathode side is grounded. When a relay connected to both the terminals of the diode is turned on, substantially equal amounts of positive ions and negative ions are generated, and a bacteria removal/disinfection effect can be obtained by emitting these positive ions and negative ions into the air. When the relay is turned off, a relatively small amount of positive ions and a relatively large amount of negative ions are generated, and a relaxation effect given by negative ions can be obtained by emitting these positive ions and negative ions into the air.

Abstract: A high-voltage pulse generator includes a storage capacitor which is connected to a voltage source via leads. One of the leads is connected to a reference potential via a node point. A switching device is connected in parallel with the storage capacitor on the voltage source side. An output inductance is connected to the one lead via a further node point arranged between the storage capacitor and the first node point. A diode lies between the node points.

Abstract: An air ionizer blower includes a voltage source, an air inlet, an air outlet, an air mover, at least one electrode and a straightening vane. The air mover is configured to cause air to flow into the air inlet and out of the air outlet, thereby creating an air flow. The electrode is disposed in the flow path of the air and is electrically connected to the voltage source. The electrode is configured to generate either or both of positive and negative polarity ions. The straightening vane is disposed in the air flow and attenuates loss-causing air flow patterns by redirecting the loss-causing air flow toward a single output direction and redirects portions of the air flow having other trajectories toward the single output direction. The straightening vane has a plurality of uniformly distributed apertures, each having a depth that is a function of the open area of the aperture.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel and an ion generator for generating positive ions and negative ions. The display device kills microorganisms or decomposes and removes harmful organic substances (e.g., sources of odor or environmental hormones), which exist either on the screen or in the air surrounding the display device, by utilizing the action of the positive and negative ions.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fluid filter monitor cartridge having apparatus for neutralizing the electrostatic charge in the transient fluid including a mass of filter material, and electrical conductor having a main conductive path and a plurality of cooperating electrically conductive paths extending from the main conductive path, and means for directing the flow of hydrocarbon fluid to be treated through the mass of filter material and in contact with the conductor whereby the electrostatic charge in the transient fluid is neutralized by corona discharge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing electrostatic charges from a clean room with a laminar flow apparatus. The laminar flow apparatus is disposed on a ceiling of the clean room. An ion generator at a first height and a transportation system at a second height are disposed in the laminar flow. An output tip of an emitter of the ion generator faces toward the ceiling to enlarge a divergent angle between positive and negative ions, effectively removing the electrostatic charges from the clean room and from a carrier in the transportation system.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control and air treatment system includes a selectively operable air treatment device. The air treatment device may be an electrically powered ion generator for selectively generating ions in the vehicle, for example. The vehicle remote control and air treatment device may also include at least one remote transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the at least one remote transmitter, and a controller at the vehicle. The controller may be connected to the receiver for performing at least one vehicle function based upon signals from the remote transmitter, and may also selectively operate the air treatment device.

Abstract: A passive device to neutralize electrostatic charging of transient hydrocarbon fluid when it exits a filter monitor cartridge is described.

Abstract: An ionizer bar includes upper and lower housings having aerodynamically-shaped exterior surfaces to support laminar air flow over the structure. The upper housing forms an upper interior chamber for electrical circuitry isolated from a lower chamber within the lower housing that confines fluid under pressure therein. Outlets spaced along the length of the structure include ionizing electrodes that are disposed within fluid conduits and that are connected to a source of ionizing voltage mounted in the upper chamber. Fluid passages at the outlets release fluid under pressure within the lower chamber around associated ionizing electrodes mounted at the outlets.

Abstract: Concentrations of positive and negative ions that are generated in the ambient air at a selected location are controlled in time-varying manner. Apparatus for generating air ions includes controllable high voltage sources and electrodes connected to the sources adapted to generate positive ions and negative ions in ambient air near the electrodes. Control circuitry is coupled to the high voltage sources to control the voltage levels at the electrodes for altering the quantities of positive ions and/or negative ions that are generated in time-varying manner within the ambient air about the electrodes. The control circuitry may control the voltage sources to generate a simulated ion signature of variations in ion concentrations as detected at a selected geographic location.

Abstract: Concentrations of positive and negative ions that are generated in the ambient air at a selected location are controlled in time-varying manner. Apparatus for generating air ions includes controllable high voltage sources and electrodes connected to the sources adapted to generate positive ions and negative ions in ambient air near the electrodes. Control circuitry is coupled to the high voltage sources to control the voltage levels at the electrodes for altering the quantities of positive ions and/or negative ions that are generated in time-varying manner within the ambient air about the electrodes. The control circuitry may control the voltage sources to generate a simulated ion signature of variations in ion concentrations as detected at a selected geographic location.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus 1 has an electric cleaning mechanism 79 for burning out attachment adhered on an ion generating electrode 7 by electric heating. Adhesion of dirt and the like onto the end portion of the electrode where an electron generation field concentrates will considerably ruin the ion generation efficiency. So that burning out of attachment adhered onto the end portion 7a of the ion generating electrode 7 using the electric cleaning mechanism 79 is extremely effective in terms of avoiding such nonconformity. Object of the cleaning will be attained to a sufficient degree if only the dirt adhered onto the sharpened end portion of the electrode 7, which is responsible for the ion generation, is selectively removed, which is also advantageous in simplifying the apparatus since there is no need to excessively raise the electric heating capacity of the electric cleaning mechanism 79.

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

Abstract: An improved air ionizer apparatus includes an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source for generating ions and an air outlet. An air mover is provided for causing air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A foraminous filter comprising an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of a voltage source and ground. The filter is positioned over at least one of the air inlet, the air outlet and the electrode, such that air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet or air flowing past the electrode flows through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a metal grid or screen.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the transfer of ions from at least one ionizing pin disposed in an ion air blower into an air stream while the ion air blower is activated. The method includes attaching a baffle to the ion air blower; and positioning the baffle upstream from and proximate to the at least one ionizing pin to cause turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to the tip of the at least one ionizing pin. An ion air blower is also detailed herein. The air blower includes an emitter assembly disposed in a housing. A plurality of ionizing pins extend from the emitter assembly such that the air stream passes over the plurality of ionizing pins. A baffle is disposed proximate to and upstream from the ionizing pins to create turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to a tip of each of the ionizing pins.

Abstract: A discharge electrode bar 100 includes a case 101. In the case 101, an air unit 102 and discharge electrode assemblies 103 are disposed in its lower region, and a high voltage unit 104 and a control unit 105 including a power supply circuit, a display circuit and a CPU, for example, are disposed in its upper region. The case 101 consists of left and right divisional case sections which can be detached from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for generating ions in a gaseous medium, the apparatus comprising one or more needles (40) each presenting a shank (40.1) and an emitter end (40.2), a sheath (42) of composite material comprising glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester surrounding the shank (40.1) of each needle, and means (44, 46, 80) for applying a voltage between two portions of the shank of each needle.

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

Abstract: A method of facilitating the transfer of ions from at least one ionizing pin disposed in an ion air blower into an air stream while the ion air blower is activated. The method includes attaching a baffle to the ion air blower; and positioning the baffle upstream from and proximate to the at least one ionizing pin to cause turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to the tip of the at least one ionizing pin. An ion air blower is also detailed herein. The air blower includes an emitter assembly disposed in a housing. A plurality of ionizing pins extend from the emitter assembly such that the air stream passes over the plurality of ionizing pins. A baffle is disposed proximate to and upstream from the ionizing pins to create turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to a tip of each of the ionizing pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the minor constituents of a sample with high efficiency in positive and negative ion monitoring modes. The directions in which the sample gas is forced to flow in the ionized region within the ion source are properly switched in the positive and negative ion monitoring modes, respectively, thereby enabling both positive ions and negative ions to be detected with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention is an air treatment system for airplanes. It includes: (a.) an environmental conditioning system located within an airplane to provide at least one of heating, cooling, and compressing air, and has ingress ductwork to remove air from an airplane cabin into the system, and an air movement mechanism, e.g. blowers, or equivalent devices, to cycle the air from the cabin and into the environmental conditioning system via the ingress ductwork. It also has egress ductwork for return of treated air into the cabin; and, (b.) an ionic oxygen generator connected to one or both of the ingress ductwork and the egress ductwork. The ionic oxygen generator may be one or more, and should be of sufficient capacity to generate at least 200 ions of ionic oxygen per cubic centimeter of incoming air for removal of airborne contaminants and odor from exiting air before it is returned to the cabin.

Abstract: In an ion generating apparatus, an electric field for generating ion is obtained between an electrode needle 3 and a counter electrode plate 4. A surface discharge path A (passing through an air discharge port 13a) which has the shortest distance between the electrode needle 3 and the counter electrode plate 4 and a surface discharge path B (not passing through the air discharge port 13a) are created. Distances of the surface discharge paths A and B are substantially enlarged by means of two flanges 17 provided on a sleeve 906 and a flange 19 provided on an end of an outer cylindrical portion of an electrode unit 8.

Abstract: A static eliminator comprises one pair of discharge electrodes. One electrode issues ions of a polarity while the other electrode issues ions of opposite polarity. In addition to the foregoing, polarity of ions issued from each of said discharge electrodes is switched over to opposite polarity. The switching over of polarities is synchronized with each other so that ions issued from each discharge electrodes are of opposite polarities. In another embodiment, static eliminator comprises a rotary ionizer or rotary ion issuing discharge electrodes. In still another embodiment, static eliminator comprises more than three arrayed discharge electrodes, each of discharge electrodes issues ions of opposite polarity to that issued from adjacent discharge electrodes.

Abstract: A facility for improving the environmental atmosphere of an interior space, which includes a negative ion discharger; a plurality of electric poles connected to the output wires of the negative ion discharger. The aforementioned negative ion discharger is placed in a corner of the interior space, and the plurality of electric poles are situated in the upper part of the interior space. By means of an active carbon layer beneath the floor indoors, an invisible shelter will be formed by the negative ions released from the negative ion discharger. Accordingly, the ion energy will be effectively decreased, and the particle condition of the indoor space will be harmonized.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel and an ion generator for generating positive ions and negative ions. The display device kills microorganisms or decomposes and removes harmful organic substances (e.g., sources of odor or environmental hormones), which exist either on the screen or in the air surrounding the display device, by utilizing the action of the positive and negative ions.

Abstract: The system and method of this invention enhances the flow of electrical charges in selected micro-geologic regions by introducing a more conductive material into the geology of the selected region. In one simplistic embodiment, a circle of bare copper wire, bonded so as to create a single electrical entity of the lowest possible electrical resistance, is buried in the soil of the selected area in close physical contact with the soil and other components of the geology.

Abstract: A first stream of pressurized gas is directed at high toward a target area through an ionization chamber. As the high-speed, pressurized gas flows through the ionization chamber, a low-pressure region is used to draw a second stream of gas into the ionization chamber. The second stream of gas is drawn into the ionization chamber from the target area. Re-circulation of gas from the target area supplements the pressurized gas, thereby increasing the efficiency of ionization while reducing the volume of pressurized gas that must be consumed. This helps to prevent recombination while increasing the rate of flow of ionized gas to the target area. A cost-effective, safe, low-level radiation source is used to direct soft X-rays through a filtering window at the gas as it passes through the ionization chamber. Use of the filtering window physically separates the low-level radiation source from the ionization chamber and only allows soft X-rays to pass into the chamber.

Abstract: An electrification preventing is disclosed in which granular and/or powdered Si or SiOx (0<x<2) which is charged with negative static electricity (negatively-ionized) is sealed in a glass container. The glass container that is placed in a body adjacent an area where the desired effect is to be achieved. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the glass container is embedded in the ground. The glass container, such as a tube, contains a negatively charged material such as Si/SiOx, the purpose of which is to interrupt stray electrical current in the body and thereby reduce positive static electricity in the environment.

Abstract: For treating room air by ionization in an ionization apparatus having electrical discharge ionization tubes or corona discharge tubes, the values of oxidizable air components; relative humidity; flow velocity or flow volume; ozone level in the supply air; and intensity of oxygen ions of the air are measured. The level of ionization power of the ionization apparatus Is determined by a control device based on the measured values. When a predetermined ozone level is detected, the control device lowers the ionization power, and, when the ozone level continues to increase after the ionization power has been lowered indicating an external ozone source, the control device initiates a decomposition of ozone in the ionization apparatus by changing a time period of the applied periodic alternating voltage, supplied in the form of alternating pulses or packages of alternating pulses of a preset number or a combination of both.

Abstract: An improved air ionizer apparatus includes an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source for generating ions and an air outlet. An air mover is provided for causing air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A foraminous filter comprising an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of a voltage source and ground. The filter is positioned over at least one of the air inlet, the air outlet and the electrode, such that air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet or air flowing past the electrode flows through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a metal grid or screen.

Abstract: A floating plate ion monitoring system and method wherein an ion collector assembly comprises an ion conducting surface and shielding surface in spaced relation, the ion conducting surface being located to receive ion impingement thereon, and wherein a potential is applied to the shielding surface which duplicates and follows the voltage appearing on the ion conducting surface. As a result, the capacitance between the ion conducting surface and the shielding surface is established electrically and independent of the physical configuration of the ion collector assembly. The foregoing is accomplished by providing a unity gain connected operational amplifier and connecting the positive input thereof to the ion conducting surface and the inverting input thereof to the shielding surface. An indicator connected to the amplifier output monitors the voltage on the ion conducting surface.

Abstract: A discharge electrode bar 100 includes a case 101. In the case 101, an air unit 102 and discharge electrode assemblies 103 are disposed in its lower region, and a high voltage unit 104 and a control unit 105 including a power supply circuit, a display circuit and a CPU, for example, are disposed in its upper region. The case 101 consists of left and right divisional case sections which can be detached from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus that supports ionizing pins which extend radially outwardly from an annular assembly ring. The apparatus is preferably used as part of an ion air blower and is preferably contained inside of an ion air blower housing. Also enclosed in the ion air blower housing is a fan that is used to force air over the ionizing pins. The ionizing pins extend from the outer surface of the annular assembly ring with the ionizing pin tips positioned in an air guide proximate to the point of fastest airflow generated by the fan blades. This facilitates the stripping of ions from the ends of the ionizing pins by the propelled air. Additionally, the outwardly orientation of the ionizing pins naturally allows the ions to be directed outward towards the fastest airflow and allows for the increased miniaturization of an ion air blower using the emitter of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of high efficiency generation of ions of desired polarity, which includes the steps of positioning a first electrode at a predetermined spacing from a second electrode having a closed shape configuration, applying to both electrodes a direct voltage of the same polarity, at the same time as applying the direct voltage, applying high voltage pulses to the first electrode only, thereby to cause ion generation in the vicinity of the first electrode and to set up a rapidly moving ion stream from the first to the second electrode along an electrical field therebetween, wherein the duration of the pulses is shorter than the time taken for the ion stream to reach the second electrode, and wherein ions in the ion stream have the same polarity as the second electrode, thereby to be repelled and concentrated as they flow through the second electrode.

Abstract: A static eliminator comprises one pair of discharge electrodes. One electrode issues ions of a polarity while the other electrode issues ions of opposite polarity. In addition to the foregoing, polarity of ions issued from each of said discharge electrodes is switched over to opposite polarity. The switching over of polarities is synchronized with each other so that ions issued from each discharge electrodes are of opposite polarities. In another embodiment, static eliminator comprises a rotary ionizer or rotary ion issuing discharge electrodes. In still another embodiment, static eliminator comprises more than three arrayed discharge electrodes, each of discharge electrodes issues ions of opposite polarity to that issued from adjacent discharge electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of air, flue gases in which apparatus the air, flue gases or equivalent are directed into a duct, in which apparatus the air, flue gases are ionized, and in which apparatus charged impurity particles (7) present in the air, flue gases or equivalent are attracted by one or more collector surfaces (2) by virtue of a difference in the states of charge, causing the particles to settle on the surface. The air, flue gases are ionized by virtue of one or more ionizing electrodes (5) directed at a collector surface. The distance between the ionizing electrode or equivalent and the collector surface and the difference between the state of electric charge of the collector surface and the charged impurity particles are so adjusted that the impurity particles will move essentially directly towards the collector surface and settle on it.

Abstract: A broom type particle collector has a particle pick-up assembly joined to an elongated handle. The pick-up assembly has a non-electrical conductive foam plastic member accommodating a cathode for imparting negative charges or particles and an anode for collecting the charged particles. An electrical power supply located within the handle provides electric power to the cathode and anode.

Abstract: A replaceable electrical ionizer cartridge or module including a support platter having a central air passage opening therethrough and at least two emitter points supported by the support platter so as to extend into the opening. At least one electrical connector is supported by the support platter and is electrically connected to at least one of the emitter points. Two levers are pivotally attached to the platter at an end thereof. To install the module in the ionizer housing the platter is inserted in through a slot in the housing so that side edges of the platter engage in guide structure in the housing. The platter is then slid along the guide structure and when the platter is nearly fully inserted in the housing, the guide levers are pushed towards the housing. This causes the levers to bias against the housing, pushing the platter into the housing such that the connector(s) engages with one or more corresponding electrical connectors in the housing.

Abstract: A dust reduction system for reducing airborne contaminants such as, for example, dust, smoke, microorganisms, etc., includes at least one ion generator made up of at least one ionizer bar and a ground plane which is parallel and proximate to at least one bar. The system can also include a dust collection device such as a tray containing an aqueous composition optionally containing a degreaser, and/or a metal sheet with a water rinse system, and/or the surfaces of a room-sized enclosed space. The system can be applied to any enclosed space where it is desired to obtain high efficiency reduction of airborne dust and microorganisms. The system is especially useful in poultry production and processing areas such as hatching cabinets, throwing rooms, and controlled environment poultry rearing rooms.

Abstract: An air ionizing apparatus that produces both positive and negative ions has a housing with air inlet and outlet passages, a plurality of spaced apart air ionizing electrodes and a high voltage supply which applies positive and negative voltages to separate electrodes. A fan creates an airflow that carries the ions out of the housing, the fan preferably being between the electrodes and the outlet passages to promote intermixing of positive and negative ions.

Abstract: An air ionizer comprises at least two electrodes contained within a recessed region of an insulating housing. When high voltages are applied to the electrodes, nearby air molecules are ionized and generally move towards a target region outside the housing. Because the insulating housing shields the electrodes, the production of ions is not significantly disturbed by charged or grounded objects other than those in the general direction of the target region. In one embodiment, the electrodes are placed close enough to the inner walls of the recessed region that the portions of the surfaces of the walls near the electrodes are electrostatically charged. This charge tends to repel the nearby ions, expelling many from the recessed region towards the target region.