Collecting Electrode Details (e.g., Sheet Type, Running Length Web, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/98)
  • Patent number: 7150780
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kronos Advanced Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor A. Krichtafovitch, Vladimir L. Gorobets
  • Patent number: 7121276
    Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Vbox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7090718
    Abstract: A device is provided for collecting particles from a gas for subsequent analysis with a particle analyzer. The device includes an ionizer with at least one ion-emitting unit which emits ions and a collector for collecting particles charged by the ions. An electrically conductive capturing or collecting device is electrically connected to the collector of the ionizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Rolf Nybom
  • Patent number: 7081155
    Abstract: Particle separator having a flow passage for air to be cleaned from electrically charged particles includes at least two electrode element surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other and at a mutual gap width (d), at least one electrode element surface being designed from a very high ohmic material, preferably with a resistivity corresponding to or higher than antistatic. The particle separator also is intended to be connected to a high voltage source, the second electrode element surface being intended to be connected to the pole of the high voltage source having the lowest absolute potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Eurus Air Design AB
    Inventor: Andrzej Loreth
  • Patent number: 7048787
    Abstract: An air cleaner has an electron generator that includes a pointed head, a collector element and an electric circuit included in the electron generator for generating a negative potential on the pointed head and a positive potential on the collector element. The pointed head is mounted at the free end of a cylinder of electrically non-conductive insulating material. The cylinder includes the electric circuit at the free end whereas its other end enters the collector element, which is cylindrical and is of electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Ragne Svadil, Ove Wihk
  • Patent number: 6964189
    Abstract: A compact, portable, aerosol contaminant extractor having ionization and collection sections through which ambient air may be drawn at a nominal rate so that aerosol particles ionized in the ionization section may be collected on charged plate in the collection section, the charged plate being readily removed for analyses of the particles collected thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Duane C. Carlson, John J. DeGange, Paula Cable-Dunlap
  • Patent number: 6962620
    Abstract: An adjustable eddy electrostatic precipitator, including a main body, an electrode array, an adjustable opening and a precipitating device. The main body has an inner space with an air guiding plate of helical shape, an entrance for air and an exit for air. The electrode array is placed close to the entrance, ionizing air as well as particles floating therein. The adjustable opening is located at the exit, having an adjustable aperture. The precipitating device is connected with a bias high voltage for adsorbing ionized particles. Air entering the main body through the entrance is ionized, ionizing particles floating therein. Ionized particles are driven towards a single zone and are collected depending on size and charge in an adjustable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kai-Cheng Chang, Pei-Fang Liang, Chia-Yuan Chang, Pin-Cha Hsu
  • Patent number: 6958088
    Abstract: A carbon separation and collection device used for a high performance dust collector includes a water supply tube, a water pump, a high pressure negative electrode discharge device, a high pressure positive electrode discharge device, a rotary brush, a removing plate, a carbon collector, a liquid tank, and a speed change device and an exhausting tube. The two discharge devices serve to achieve a function of electrolyte. When the cleaning liquid with carbon flows into the water supply tube by using the water pump. The carbon is adhered to the high pressure positive electrode discharge device. The high pressure positive electrode discharge device is driven to rotate by the speed change device. The carbon is moved from the high pressure positive electrode discharge device by the rotary brush and removing plate. Then, the removing carbon drops into the carbon collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Toshio Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6951580
    Abstract: A bow-reduced precipitator collector plate assembly and an appertaining method include a precipitator collector plate that contacts a spring-like stiffening element configured to be attached to a fixed anchor or an adjacent anchoring collector plate. The stiffening element is configured to apply a force in a direction normal to a primary plane, which is generally co-linear but opposite in direction of a direction of bowing, of the precipitator collecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: NiSource Corporate Services Company
    Inventor: Gregory Ludwicki
  • Patent number: 6923848
    Abstract: A collecting device for collecting particles floating in the atmosphere includes a collecting container; a pump for sucking the atmosphere into the collecting container; a discharge electrode disposed in the collecting container for generating single polarity ions to charge the particles in the collecting container; and a dust-collecting electrode for collecting the charged particles in the collecting container through a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the dust-collecting electrode. The dust on the dust-collecting electrode is measured and analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichiro Totoki
  • Patent number: 6881246
    Abstract: A collecting device for collecting suspended particles includes a mobility analysis device; a collecting container connected to an outlet of the mobility analysis device; a discharge electrode disposed inside the collecting container for charging the particles inside the collecting container by generating single polar ions; and a collecting electrode for collecting the charged particles inside the collecting container by an electric potential difference relative to the discharge electrode. In the mobility analysis device, the particles are charged and guided into a flow path. An electric field is created in the flow path, and the particles are guided into the path perpendicular to the electric field. Since a mobility of a particle in an electric field depends on a size of the particle, the particles guided in the path are separated according to the electric field, thereby obtaining particles with sizes in a specific range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichiro Totoki
  • Patent number: 6878192
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator using substantially planar screens of similar charge positioned perpendicular to the gas flow direction. The screens have a similar charge of the same polarity, and particles flowing through the screens are charged, agglomerated and either collected on the screens or fall downwardly into collecting hoppers below the screens. The screens preferably have openings smaller than 3 millimeters and are spaced apart less than 10 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the screens have alternating polarities and are spaced about an inch or more apart to prevent sparkover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Hajrudin Pasic
  • Patent number: 6841136
    Abstract: A lighting equipment for purifying air, includes an anion generator generating anions to purify air; a housing including an electric power source supplying an electric power, an amplifier amplifying the electric power from the electric power source, and an emitting aperture member having a plurality of holes for exhausting the generated anions therethrough; and at least one illumination unit engaged with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Donovan Dongsoon Kwak
    Inventor: Kyung Bae Kwak
  • Patent number: 6783575
    Abstract: A laminar flow, wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with planar collecting electrodes preferably made of membranes, such as a woven silica fiber. The collecting electrodes are spaced close to planar discharge electrodes to promote laminar flow (Re<2300). Charging electrodes are positioned upstream of the wet ESP to charge the particulate entering the wet ESP to promote collection. The wet ESP is preferably downstream from a conventional turbulent dry ESP for collecting a substantial portion of the larger particulate in the gas stream prior to the gas stream entering the wet ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Hajrudin Pasic, M. Khairul Alam, David J. Bayless
  • Patent number: 6540804
    Abstract: An air cleaner includes a fan unit (1; 1′) and a filter unit (3) that is entirely replaceable, where the fan unit (1; 1′) and the filter unit (3) are mutually connected by a quick coupling and the filter unit includes a filter and an exterior casing that defines an exterior of the air cleaner when the air cleaner is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Blue Air AB
    Inventor: Johan Wennerström
  • Patent number: 6491743
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator type filter is combined with replaceable, polarizable trapping media. In one aspect of the invention, the media is fitted between polarizing plates. In another aspect, the media is coated in sections to form a conductive surface which serve as the equivalent to the charged plates of the precipitator. These electrodes may be alternately displaced to provide a ready means to effect electrical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Constantinos J. Joannou, David J. French
  • Patent number: 6491883
    Abstract: A photocatalytic filter having a coating layer formed in a thickness of 5 to 60 &mgr;m on a base material and including 5 to 60% by weight of ultraviolet ray-transmissible particles (such as glass particles or fibers) having a minor axis of 0.2 to 50 &mgr;m, 20 to 80% by weight of photocatalytical particles (TiO2) having an average particle size of 0.001 to 0.02 &mgr;m, 10 to 60% by weight of fine silica particles having an average particle size of 0.002 to 0.2 &mgr;m and optionally 0.2 to 20% by weight of a clay mineral material, preferably a portion of the ultraviolet ray-transmissible particles being exposed to the outside of the coating layer, exhibits a high air-cleaning activity, a high adhesion of the coating layer to the base material and a high durability in the air-cleaning activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignees: Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd., Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Mori, Mitsuru Nakamura, Hidetaka Umeoka
  • Patent number: 6419729
    Abstract: Filter assemblies with adhesive attachment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member and an adhesive disposed on a reinforcement scrim adhesively attached to at least a portion of at least one major surface of the porous filter member, wherein the reinforcement scrim has discrete open areas. In an alternative embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member that includes fibrous filter media and an adhesive impregnated into discrete regions of the porous filter member such that there is a substantially continuous adhesive region throughout at least about 25% of the thickness of the porous filter member in the discrete regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dean R. Duffy, William M. Stevenson, John F. Reed, David J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6419871
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an improved electrostatic filter medium comprising a web of electret fibers which have been treated with fluorine-containing plasmas at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried. The present invention is further drawn to a method of producing non-woven webs which have been treated with a fluorine-containing plasma at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Transweb, LLC.
    Inventor: Kumar Ogale
  • Patent number: 6398852
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device (1;1′;1″; 1′″; 1″″; 1′″″) for air cleaning, especially from electrically charged particles, the device (1;1′;1″; 1′″; 1″″; 1′″″) including an air flow channel (2;2′;2″; 2′″; 2″″; 2′″″), an air transporting mechanical fan (3;3′;3″; 3′″; 3″″; 3′″″), a precipitator (4;4′;4″; 4′″; 4″″; 4′″″), a high voltage source (5;5′;5″; 5′″; 5″″; 5′″″), the precipitator (4;4′;4″; 4′″; 4″″; 4′″″) including two band-like electrode elements that are wound several times around an axis or bobbin body (7;7′;7″; 7′″; 7″″; 7′″″), a gap distance being present betwee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Eurus Airtech AB
    Inventor: Andrzej Loreth
  • Patent number: 6375721
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ionization filter for purifying air that is enriched with dust particles and other inorganic and organic pollutants. The filter has at least one electrically charged emission electrode for producing electrically conductive particles, and at least one passive electrode for collecting the pollutant particles that are in movement in the electric field between the emission electrode and the passive electrode. In accordance with the invention, an extra layer having denaturing properties is placed in the flow path of the pollutant particles that are to be precipitated. This layer is preferably composed of strongly acidic and strongly alkaline layers, or vice versa, with a neutral intermediate layer between layers of different pH values in each case. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, spores and/or allergens which move in the electric field of the ionization filter are simultaneously destroyed by this denaturing property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Heinz Hölter
  • Patent number: 6361589
    Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning air from charged particles in an air flow duct. The device includes at least one precipitator panel including one or more precipitator units that are arranged so that their inlets have a large extension relative to the cross-sectional area of the air flow duct and a relatively small extension in the direction of the air flow through the units. The precipitator panels include at least two electrode elements preferably connected to a high voltage source and located such that all air in the air flow duct passes through the respective electrode elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eurus Airtech AB
    Inventor: Andrzej Loreth
  • Patent number: 6302944
    Abstract: A dehumidifier uses high voltage to cause moisture to condense out of an airflow in contact with a series of needles and a screen forming the cathode and anode respectively of a diode structure. Condensate is sucked into small holes in either or both of the needles and/or the screen by a vacuum. Ultra-violet light is applied to reduce the incidence of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Stuart Alfred Hoenig
  • Patent number: 6203600
    Abstract: A precipitator having a through-flowing passage for the air to be purified. The precipitator is intended to be included in an air purification device, especially for purifying air from electrically charged particles. The precipitator is electrically connected to a high voltage source and has at least two electrode elements or groups of such elements arranged at different potential relative to each other. The electrode elements being designed as band-like strips that are arranged to circle at least once, and preferably several times, around an imaginary axis at a gap distance (d), seen in radial direction relative to the imaginary axis, from adjacent electrode elements. The extension of the electrode elements in the air flow direction is essentially less than their circled length around the imaginary axis. The edge section of the electrode elements, preferably at one side only of the body of the precipitator, are fixed relative to each other by the aid of fixing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Eurus Airtech AB
    Inventor: Andrzej Loreth
  • Patent number: 6187412
    Abstract: A silicon article including a silicon base and columns extending from the silicon base. The columns define a gap between the columns which is devoid of material so that the article can act as a filter or heat sink. Also disclosed is a method of making the silicon article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Armacost, Peter D. Hoh, Son V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6176902
    Abstract: An electric dust collector that is capable of enhancing collection efficiency. An exhaust pipe (4) consists of a steel pipe (14) whose exterior surface is lined with refractory material (15). A supporting member (5) is supported outside the exhaust pipe (4) and is inserted into the exhaust pipe (4). A discharge electrode (7) is fixed to the supporting member (5) so that it is electrically insulated from the exhaust pipe (4). A surface electrode (6) is fixed to the discharge electrode (7) and has a pyramid-shaped mesh (6c). The mesh (6) is arranged coaxially with the exhaust pipe (4) so that it spreads within the exhaust pipe (4) toward the exit of the exhaust pipe (4). The discharge electrode (7) penetrates the center line of the surface electrode (6) and protrudes downward from the vertex of the mesh (6c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Galaxy Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6169938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the absence or presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on the vehicle. This system includes a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system, a controller capable of controlling the vapor recovery system, a receiver and an antenna operating in conjunction with the receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transponder on a vehicle indicative of the absence or presence of an on-board vapor recovery system, in addition to a type of vehicle tank or characteristic thereof. When the controller determines from the transponder signal information relating to on-board vapor recovery and/or tank characteristics, the controller will control its vapor recovery system accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Craig Hartsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6163098
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The conditioner may be sized to condition air in a closet, or may include an illumination source and be sized to be attached to an AC wall outlet to provide a night light function as well as a conditioning function. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one or more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6162285
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the ozone concentration in the output of an ozone-generating system is disclosed. The invention reduces the concentration of O.sup.+ ions, which would otherwise react with ozone to form diatomic oxygen, by means of an ionic filter. In one embodiment, a gas-permeable electrode within a gas conduit attached to the output of an ozonator is negatively charged to several kilovolts with respect to the distribution line. This electrode attracts the positively charged oxygen ions, removing them before they can react with the ozone. This provides a higher ozone concentration that does not vary as much with distance from the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Fong, Quoc Truong
  • Patent number: 6090189
    Abstract: An electrostatic filter for the separation of particles includes a particle charging unit arranged upstream, including at least one corona wire for the charging of particles and a particle collector unit arranged downstream relative to it. The particles collecting unit includes two groups of plate-like elements (1, 1') arranged essentially parallel between each other and the flow direction through the device at a predetermined distance from each other, wherein a first group of elements (1)is connected to earth (3) and a second group elements (1') is electrically insulated with reference to the device and to the first group of elements (1) and that the elements (1, 1') essentially are made of one or more non-hygroscopic polymer materials with a mass resistivity which preferably lies within the region of 1.times.10.sup.2 .OMEGA.cm to 1.times.10.sup.8 .OMEGA.cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Purocell S.A.
    Inventors: Goran Wikstrom, Ulf Hornquist
  • Patent number: 6080225
    Abstract: A method of separating liquid drops from a gas stream includes the step of introducing the gas stream having a temperature greater than 600.degree. C. into shaped elements having very narrow channels through which the gas stream flows, wherein the shaped elements are of a material that becomes conductive at high temperatures and further includes the step of selecting the width of the narrow channels based on the gas stream velocity such that turbulence is generated along the flow path causing the liquid drops to strike the channel walls and deposit thereon. The apparatus for separating liquid drops from a gas stream includes a plurality of shaped elements having very narrow channels through which the gas stream having a temperature greater than 600.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Malte E. C. Forster
  • Patent number: 6071330
    Abstract: An electric dust collector that does not need an exhaust fan or special equipment for preventing dust from flying off. An incinerator is formed on a building, and a smokestack is raised so that it is integrated with the wall of the incinerator. The smokestack is formed from metallic sheeting and lined with refractories. A beam is installed over the smokestack. The beam is electrically insulated using insulatores. A discharge electrode is suspended form the beam at the center of the smokestack. The discharge electrode has many needle-like discharge pins almost in its lower half part. The negative pole of a DC high-voltage power supply is connected with the discharge electrode, while the positive pole is grounded and connected with the metallic sheeting constituting the smokestack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Galaxy Yugen Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Matsubara, Wataru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6056808
    Abstract: An apparatus for ionizing air to remove particulate matter. The apparatus including an ionizer and a bracket for mounting the ionizer and a bracket for mounting the ionizer in a duct or enclosure. The ionizer includes a series of electrodes which span a portion of the duct. The electrodes are energized by a high voltage circuit and an ionic wind is created between the electrode and duct. The ionic wind sweeps particles in the air to the duct which provides a collector electrode. In another embodiment, a ring collector electrode is also provided for spanning the inner portion of the duct. The high voltage circuit includes a DC power supply, a high voltage transformer, a high voltage multiplier stage and a push-pull switching circuit. The DC power supply receives AC power and generates a DC output which is coupled to the primary of the transformer. The push-pull switching circuit produces a controlled and efficient AC output in the transformer by alternately switching the primary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: DKW International Inc.
    Inventor: Hans W Krause
  • Patent number: 6003434
    Abstract: A method for affecting liquid droplets in a gas stream includes the steps of flowing a gas stream containing liquid droplets through a housing and positioning at least one surface in the housing, wherein the surface generates an electrical charge at high temperatures. The corresponding apparatus is characterized by a at least one surface generating an electrical charge at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Malte E.C. Forster
  • Patent number: 5993520
    Abstract: An electronic dust collecting type air purifier which includes a dust collecting device, which includes a plurality of electrically insulative trays arranged in a stack, a plurality of filter beds made from metal wire coils and respectively mounted in the trays, and an anion generating apparatus having an input terminal connected to one filter bed to receive electrons from it and an output terminal for discharge of electricity into the air to produce anions for gathering dust, the filter beds, except the one which is connected to the anion generating apparatus, being connected to the grounding terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Chi-Chin Yu
  • Patent number: 5993738
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting an airstream containing microorganisms by electrostatic precipitation by passing the airstream through the space between at least one grounded collection plate having at least one electrode spaced apart therefrom connected to a source of electrical potential, wherein the improvement comprises contacting the airstream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy coated on the surface of each grounded collection plate and illuminated with photons having a wavelength corresponding to the band gap energy of the photocatalyst, so that at least a portion of the microorganisms that collect on the grounded collection plate are destroyed by photocatalytic oxidation. Devices embodying disinfecting methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Air Technology
    Inventor: D. Yogi Goswani
  • Patent number: 5993521
    Abstract: A two-stage electrostatic filter includes an ionization section which is arranged in an upstream part of a throughflow passage (28) and includes a wire-like corona electrode (31) which is disposed in an ionization chamber (29) and connected to one pole of an electric high voltage source (16). The filter further includes a target electrode (21;37) which is spaced from the corona electrode (31) and connected to another pole of the high voltage source. A capacitator separator (30) is located in a downstream part of the throughflow passage (28) and includes a first and second group of electrode elements (32,33) which are placed side-by-side in spaced-apart relationship. The electrode elements (32) of the first group are placed alternately with the electrode elements (33) of the second group and are adapted to lie on a potential which is different from the potential on which the electrode elements (33) of the second group lie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: TL-Vent AB
    Inventors: Andrzej Loreth, Vilmos Torok
  • Patent number: 5980614
    Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus, especially for cleaning of room air, includes an ionizing device (14) having a unipolar ion source formed by a corona discharge electrode, an electrostatic precipitator (12) connected to a high-voltage source (15) and having a flow-through passageway (18) for air to be cleaned and two groups of electrode elements (16, 17) disposed in the flow-through passageway, the electrode elements (16) of one group being interleaved with and spaced from the electrode elements (17) of the other group and arranged to be at a potential different from that of the said other group. The corona discharge electrode (21) is arranged such that the ions generated at the electrode can diffuse essentially freely away from the electrode and thereby diffuse substantially freely throughout the room in which the ionizing device (14) is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: TL-Vent AB
    Inventors: Andrzej Loreth, Vilmos Torok
  • Patent number: 5938823
    Abstract: Air cleansing apparatus includes an electrostatic precipitator in which the collector plates are made of, for instance, reticulated chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide, or reticulated silicon carbide ceramic coated with titanium nitride, zirconium diboride, or chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide. Microorganisms entrained on the collector plates are thermally degraded or vaporized by microwave radiation directed against the plates during a sterilization period which follows a collection period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Condit, Timothy N. Obee, Willard H. Sutton, Richard R. Grzybowski, Christopher M. Pater, Antonio Rinaldi, Sunita Satyapal, Wayde R. Schmidt, Charles R. Winston, Michael Winter
  • Patent number: 5922111
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator for removing fine particles from gas is described. The precipitator includes an array of dust collection pipes, each negatively charged and serving as an electrode. Each pipe has a pin-like positively charged discharge electrode centrally located within it. Mist-laden gas is caused to flow through the pipes and is electrostatically cleaned. A slit is formed in the pipes to permit some cleaned gas to be mixed with uncleaned gas and reintroduced into the pipes to reduce the density of the fine particles in the gas entering the pipes. The pipes may be vertically or horizontally arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Omi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Omi, Takashi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 5837035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electrostatically precipitating suspended matter from a gas flow, wherein a precipitation electrode which is flown through by the gas flow is provided in the form of a perforated plate behind an ionization source in the direction of flow. The perforated plate has openings which are tapered on their edges in the manner of cutting edges towards the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Maxs AG
    Inventors: Werner Braun, Joseph Gebhart, Jerry Rzeznik, Gerhard Scheuch, Knut Sommerer
  • Patent number: 5814135
    Abstract: A miniature air purifier produces a corona discharge surrounding a needle-like emitter point connected to a negative DC power supply. The power supply operates from a nine volt battery and contains a step-up voltage inverter having a single transformer outputting high voltage spikes with a voltage multiplier operating on the output of the inverter. The production of high voltage spikes of about 200 Hz rather than a sinusoidally varying voltage significantly reduces current consumption. The needle-like emitter point is located about 1/4-inch from an 80% open mesh metallic grid held at ground potential. Corona discharge at the emitter point ionizes the air and creates ozone, and nitric oxide both of which combine with direct electron impact decomposition to detoxify and destroy a wide variety of airborne pollutants including pathogens, chemicals and allergens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Stanley Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5766318
    Abstract: In an electrostatic precipitator for an electrostatic filter at least one group (11 and/or 12) of electrode or plate elements of like polarity are made of or coated with a semiconducting or dissipative material, and the electrode elements of at least one group (12) include, or are associated with, a screen (16) of an insulating material at the edge thereof which is directed against the stream (A) of air through the precipitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: TL-Vent Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Andrzej Loreth, Vilmos Torok
  • Patent number: 5667565
    Abstract: An aerodynamic-electrostatic particulate collection system for high-efficiency collection of particulate debris generated in a machining area during machining of a workpiece, especially post-cure machining of a composite workpeice, that includes a vacuum subsystem for generating a localized, vacuum-induced aerodynamic fluid flow field in the machining area and a particulate charging, electric field generating subsystem integrated in combination with the workpiece and the vacuum subsystem for charging particulate debris generated during machining of the workpiece and for creating an electric field that directs the charged particulate debris into the localized, vacuum-induced aerodynamic fluid flow field. The vacuum subsystem includes a vacuum pump, a hose fluidically interconnected to the vacuum pump, and a nozzle fluidically connected to the hose distal the vacuum pump and having a configuration that defines the localized, vacuum-induced aerodynamic fluid flow field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Gondar
  • Patent number: 5667564
    Abstract: A miniature air purifier produces a corona discharge surrounding a needle-like emitter point connected to a novel negative 8,000-volt DC power supply. The power supply operates from a nine volt battery and contains a step-up voltage inverter having a single transformer outputting high voltage spikes with a voltage multiplier operating on the output of the inverter. The production of high voltage spikes of about 200 Hz rather than a sinusoidally varying voltage significantly reduces current consumption. The needle-like emitter point is located about 1/4-inch from an 80% open mesh metallic grid held at ground potential. Corona discharge at the emitter point ionizes the air and creates ozone, and nitric oxide both of which combine with direct electron impact decomposition to detoxify and destroy a wide variety of airborne pollutants including pathogens, chemicals and allergens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Wein Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5665147
    Abstract: A collector plate (10) for an electrostatic precipitator is provided. Collector plate (10) has end portions (12) which are substantially symmetrical about the plane of the collector plate (10). Each end portion (12) is preferably polygonal and has a substantially unobstructed interior. Dimples (80) may be located in end portions (12) to improve rigidity of the plate. Collector plate (10) yields better precipitation results because of the minimal or nonexistent deflection of plate (10) into voltage discharge regions surrounding electrodes (36) within the precipitator. Precipitation results are further improved because power input to the precipitator is not limited by an instable electric field resulting from irregularities in the surface of plate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Taylor, Lewis Stokes
  • Patent number: 5630866
    Abstract: A device for treating automobile exhaust with a static electrical charge. The inventive device includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports positionable into communication with an exhaust pipe of a vehicle. A folded mesh panel undulates through the housing and receives a static electrical charge from a generator to reduce emissions from exhaust gases passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Lloyd M. Gregg
  • Patent number: 5614002
    Abstract: In an air purifying apparatus having a housing formed with a recess in which are fitted a static activated carbon panel and a high voltage dust collecting panel, the improvement wherein said high voltage dust collecting panel includes a plurality of cross bars and ventilation slits therebetween, said cross bars being coated with a high conductive and oxidation resistant alloy powder to form anodes and cathodes which are respectively connected to the positive pole and negative pole of a high voltage generating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Tze L. Chen
  • Patent number: 5603752
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator includes a dust-collecting electrode group and a discharge electrode group arranged in the recited order with respect to the gas flow direction of a gas to be treated in the electrostatic precipitator. The discharge electrode group includes a plurality of discharge electrodes, each of which is made of a rectangular metal plate. The longitudinal edges of each plate form semicircles, with a series of saw-toothed portions having tips protruding from between each pair of semicircles. The dust-collecting electrode group includes a plurality of dust-collecting electrodes, each of which is made of a chain suspended adjacent the discharge electrode group at a predetermined spacing. The chains of the dust-collecting electrode groups are suspended so that they can rock back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Filtration Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Hara
  • Patent number: 5578112
    Abstract: An apparatus for ionizing air to remove particulate matter. The apparatus including an ionizer and a bracket for mounting the ionizer in a duct or enclosure. The ionizer includes a series of electrodes which span a portion of the duct. The electrodes are energized by a high voltage circuit and an ionic wind is created between the electrode and duct. The ionic wind sweeps particles in the air to the duct which provides a collector electrode. In another embodiment, a ring collector electrode is also provided for spanning the inner portion of the duct. The high voltage circuit includes a DC power supply, a high voltage transformer, a high voltage multiplier stage and a push-pull switching circuit. The DC power supply receives AC power and generates a DC output which is coupled to the primary of the transformer. The push-pull switching circuit produces a controlled and efficient AC output in the transformer by alternately switching the primary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: 999520 Ontario Limited
    Inventor: Hans W. Krause