Static electricity eliminator

• US 7,558,044 B2
• Filed: 02/04/2005
• Issued: 07/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gillian D. Duane, Keith J. George, Kent J. George
• Original Assignee: Gillian D. Duane, Keith J. George, Kent J. George
• Inventors: Gillian, D. Duane, George, Kent J., George, Keith J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson; Stephen W
• Assistant Examiner(s): KITOV, ZEEV V
• Application Number:
  US11/051,848
• Publication Number:
  US 20060176642A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,614 Days
• Field of Search: 361/231, 96/16, 96/17
• US Class Current: 361/231
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/011 Prefiltering; Flow controlling
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 3/38 Particle charging or ionising stations, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/3236 relating to electrostatic charges
• CPC Class Codes: H05F 3/06 by means of ionising radiation

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.

Claims

1. An apparatus for reducing static electricity comprising:

(a) an ionizer adapted for generating ions that reduce static electricity;

(b) a blower communicating with the ionizer for moving the ions to a desired location;

(c) a motion detector operatively connected to the blower, wherein detection of motion by the motion detector activates the blower whereby ions reduce static electricity at the desired location; and

(d) wherein the ionizer, blower and motion detector are adapted for positioning proximate a dispenser of combustible fuel, whereby motion proximate the fuel dispenser activates the blower to disperse ions proximate the fuel dispenser and reduce static electricity proximate the fuel dispenser.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blower is selected from the group consisting of a motorized fan, and a pressurized air line.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an air intake filter for supplying air to the blower.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a timer operatively connected to the blower, whereby the blower operates for a predetermined period of time upon activation by the motion detector.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blower operates upon activation by the motion detector, and continues to operate until the motion detector no longer detects motion.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a housing for containing the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector, and wherein the housing is adapted for positioning proximate all the fuel dispenser.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motion detector is operatively connected to the ionizer, wherein detection of motion by the motion detector activates the ionizer.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blower produces a current of air for moving the ions, and further comprising a heating device for heating the current of air, whereby static electricity in the air is reduced.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a housing for containing the ionizer, the blower, the motion detector and the heating device.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the motion detector is operatively connected to the heating device, wherein detection of motion by the motion detector activates the heating device.

11. A method for reducing static electricity comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an ionizer adapted for generating ions that reduce static electricity;

(b) providing a blower communicating with the ionizer for moving the ions to a desired location;

(c) operatively connecting a motion detector to the blower, whereby detection of motion by the motion detector activates the blower and ions are moved to reduce static electricity at the desired location; and

(d positioning the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector proximate a dispenser of combustible fuel, whereby motion proximate the fuel dispenser activates the blower to move ions proximate the fuel dispenser and reduce static electricity proximate the fuel dispenser.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of heating the ions moved by the blower.

13. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of providing a housing for containing the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector.

14. A method according to claim 13. wherein the step of positioning the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector proximate a dispenser of combustible fuel comprises mounting the housing at a base of the fuel dispenser.

15. A method according to claim 11, wherein the step of positioning the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector includes positioning the blower such that the blower moves ions in front of the fuel dispenser.

16. A method according to claim 11, wherein the step of positioning the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector includes positioning the motion detector proximate the fuel dispenser such that the motion detector detects a motorist exiting a vehicle parked in front of the fuel dispenser.

17. A fuel dispensing system comprising:

(a) a fuel dispenser;

(b) an ionizer adapted for generating ions that reduce static electricity;

(c) a blower in communication with the ionizer and positioned proximate the dispenser such that upon activation the blower directs the ions towards the fuel dispenser; and

(d) a motion detector operatively connected to the blower and positioned to detect motion of a motorist exiting a vehicle parked proximate the fuel dispenser, wherein detection of motion by the motion detector activates the blower whereby the ions reduce static electricity proximate the fuel dispenser.

18. A fuel dispensing system according to claim 17, wherein the ionizer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a corona discharge, an electrically powered X-ray tube emitting low energy X-rays, and a radioactive source.

19. A fuel dispensing system according to claim 17, further comprising a timer operatively connected to the blower, whereby the blower operates for a predetermined period of time upon activation by the motion detector.

20. A fuel dispensing system according to claim 17, further comprising a housing containing the ionizer, the blower and the motion detector, wherein the housing is positioned proximate the fuel dispenser.