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Apparatus and methods for producing charged fluid droplets

  • US 8,973,851 B2
  • Filed: 06/18/2010
  • Issued: 03/10/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for production of very small electrically charged fluid droplets comprising:

  • a. an electrically chargeable fluid;

    b. an electrical fluid charger in fluid communication with the chargeable fluid;

    c. a fluid emitter in fluid communication with the chargeable fluid comprising a substrate having evenly spaced filaments of approximately equal length affixed thereto; and

    d. a counter electrode;

    where upon the electrically chargeable fluid reaches an apex of the filament and is electrically charged, the distance between the filament apex and the counter electrode is sufficient to create an electrical field intensity wherein the electrically charged fluid is converted into a stream of very fine and charged fluid droplets moving from the filament'"'"'s apex in the direction of the counter electrode along the electrostatic field'"'"'s force lines formed between the filament'"'"'s apex and the counter electrode, wherein the electrically chargeable fluid has a viscosity of less than 1000 centistokes, and is selected from the group consisting of water-based fluid and oil-based fluids whose selection is based upon the fluid'"'"'s compatibility relative to the material comprising the fluid emitter so to create a fluid flux between the fluid moving from the layer of the substrate and the apex of the filament of a sufficient level to form a sustainable stream of very fine and charged fluid droplets at the filament'"'"'s apex as the fluid is electrically drawn towards the counter electrode.

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