阅读说明：本技术 静电喷雾器装置 (Electrostatic sprayer device ) 是由 C·赖特 于 2015-09-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种静电喷雾器装置。静电流体输送系统被配置为通过为流体充电并使流体形成能够被引导到表面上的薄雾、烟雾、喷流或者喷雾,将流体输送到表面上,所述表面例如是待清洁的表面,所述流体例如是消毒剂流体。该系统使用高压流体流雾化流体,并使流体经过喷嘴组件的电极以使被雾化的流体的液滴带电。(The invention provides an electrostatic atomizer device. The electrostatic fluid delivery system is configured to deliver a fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface, such as a surface to be cleaned, by charging the fluid and causing the fluid to form a mist, fog, jet, or spray that can be directed onto the surface. The system atomizes a fluid using a high pressure fluid stream and passes the fluid past an electrode of a nozzle assembly to charge droplets of the atomized fluid.)

1. An electrostatic atomizer device, characterized in that said electrostatic atomizer device comprises:

a housing;

an electrostatic module within the housing;

a reservoir having a cavity adapted to contain a fluid;

at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir, wherein the nozzle emits fluid in a direction along a flow path;

a pump that propels fluid from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle;

a DC battery to power at least one of the electrostatic module and the pump;

an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging a fluid, wherein the electrode assembly is at least one of:

(1) a first electrode assembly formed of a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the electrostatic module, wherein each electrode emits ions along an axis parallel to a flow path of the fluid emitted from the nozzle,

such that the plurality of electrodes form an electrostatic field through which the fluid passes; and

(2) a second electrode assembly formed from a tube through which fluid flows from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle, wherein at least the electrically conductive portion of the tube is electrically connected to the electrostatic module, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the tube is in physical contact with the fluid and applies an electrical charge to the fluid as the fluid flows through the tube.

2. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein the electrode assembly comprises the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly.

3. The sprayer device of claim 1, wherein the electrode assembly comprises only one of the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly.

4. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes in the first electrode assembly are positioned on a ring through which the flow path passes.

5. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises three electrodes spaced at 120 ° increments around the ring.

6. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein each electrode in the first electrode assembly is an elongated pin extending along an electrode axis parallel to a direction along which the at least one nozzle emits fluid.

7. The sprayer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises three nozzles.

8. The sprayer apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the three nozzles is movable so that a user can selectively couple a desired nozzle to the reservoir.

9. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is positioned on a nozzle housing, and wherein the nozzle housing and the at least one nozzle are removable from the housing.

10. The sprayer device of claim 9, further comprising a tool that enables removal of the nozzle housing.

11. The sprayer apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises three nozzles that are movable so that a user can selectively couple a desired nozzle to the reservoir, and wherein the tool can also move the nozzles.

12. The sprayer device of claim 1, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to be held by a single hand of a user.

13. The sprayer device of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a handle and a trigger that is actuated to activate the device.

14. The nebulizer device of claim 1, wherein the housing at least partially forms a backpack.

15. The sprayer device according to claim 1, wherein each electrode in the first electrode assembly is an elongated pin, and further comprising an insulator contacting and covering the pin such that only the tip of the pin is not insulated.

16. The nebulizer device of claim 15, wherein the reservoir is removable from the housing.

17. The sprayer device of claim 1, wherein the pump pulls a vacuum in the housing to cause fluid to flow from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle.

18. The sprayer device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a handle, and further comprising a ground line in the handle positioned so that the ground line contacts a hand of a user when the user grasps the handle.

Background

Infectious diseases are often acquired in places that should be safe, such as ambulances, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, sporting facilities and other public places. These places are conventionally cleaned by spraying a fluid disinfectant onto the surface and wiping the surface with a cloth. Unfortunately, such cleaning methods have proven ineffective.

An improved machine for spraying surfaces uses an electrostatic delivery system that sprays a charged fluid, such as a disinfectant, onto the surface. In electrostatic delivery systems, a fluid, such as a chemical solution, is atomized by a high pressure air stream as it passes over an electrode within a nozzle. The negatively charged particles are thereby induced onto the surface of the droplets of solution, creating an electric field charge within the jet of solution.

The electrostatic charge causes the fluid to cling to the surface, increasing the likelihood that the disinfectant will coat and clean the surface. However, because such systems require energy, existing electrostatic delivery systems are cumbersome and inconvenient. They are usually connected to electrical wiring or powered by an air compressor or natural gas, which makes the system bulky. They are also expensive. Cost and live wires remain two major obstacles to widespread use. In most cases, existing corded products prohibit or limit their use in applications where extending the cord is cumbersome, inconvenient, slow, and sometimes creates safety concerns due to the risk of tripping which can pose a potential hazard.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved electrostatic fluid delivery system.

Disclosure of Invention

An electrostatic fluid delivery system is disclosed herein that is configured to deliver a fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface to be cleaned by charging the fluid and causing the fluid to form a mist (mist), fog (fog), spray (plume), or spray (spray) that can be directed onto the surface. The system uses a high pressure air (or other gas) stream to atomize a fluid and pass the fluid past electrodes within a nozzle assembly to charge, e.g., negatively charge, droplets of the atomized fluid. The system uses a unique nozzle design configured to optimally atomize the fluid into droplets of various sizes. In addition, the system is powered by a DC power system rather than an AC system, thereby eliminating cumbersome power cords. In one embodiment, the dc power system includes a lithium ion battery. The device may charge a liquid or gas, or positively charge.

In one aspect, an electrostatic atomizer device is disclosed, comprising: a housing; an electrostatic module within the housing; a reservoir having a cavity adapted to contain a fluid; at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir, wherein the nozzle emits fluid in a direction along the flow path; a pump to propel fluid from a reservoir to at least one nozzle; a DC battery to power at least one of the electrostatic module and the pump; an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging a fluid, wherein the electrode assembly is at least one of: (1) a first electrode assembly formed of a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to an electrostatic module, wherein each electrode emits ions along an axis parallel to a flow path of a fluid emitted from a nozzle such that the plurality of electrodes form an electrostatic field through which the fluid passes; and (2) a second electrode assembly formed from a tube through which fluid flows from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle, wherein at least the electrically conductive portion of the tube is electrically connected to the electrostatic module, and wherein when fluid flows through the tube, the electrically conductive portion of the tube is in physical contact with the fluid and applies an electrical charge to the fluid.

Other features and advantages should be apparent from the following description of the various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an electrostatic aerosol apparatus.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the device of fig. 1.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle assembly of the device.

Fig. 4 shows a close-up view of the nozzle surrounded by the charging ring.

Figures 5 and 6 show a backpack smoke machine.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a hand held smoke machine.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a hand held smoke machine.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the electrostatic aerosol apparatus.

Fig. 10 shows the device of fig. 9 with a portion of the outer housing removed.

Figure 11 shows the nozzle assembly of the device.

Fig. 12 shows the nozzle assembly of the apparatus with the nozzle tool attached to the nozzle assembly.

Fig. 13 shows a nozzle housing of the nozzle assembly.

Fig. 14 shows a nozzle component with a nozzle.

Fig. 15 shows an electrode assembly.

Fig. 16 shows an electrode.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the nozzle tool.

Fig. 18 shows an enlarged view of the handle area of the system.

FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of the handle area of the system with a portion of the housing removed.

Fig. 20 shows the interior of the lid of the liquid or fluid reservoir of the system.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the reservoir.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the system with the reservoir removed.

Fig. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pump of the system.

Fig. 24 shows an ion tube isolator that provides positive or negative charge to a fluid flowing through the tube isolator by direct contact with the fluid.

Detailed Description

Before the present subject matter is further described, it is to be understood that the subject matter described herein is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiment(s) only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter belongs.

An electrostatic fluid delivery system configured to deliver a fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface, such as a surface to be cleaned, by charging the fluid and causing the fluid to form a mist, fog, jet, or spray that can be directed onto the surface is disclosed herein. The system uses a high pressure air (or other gas) stream to atomize a fluid and pass the fluid past electrodes within a nozzle assembly to charge, e.g., negatively charge, droplets of the atomized fluid. The system uses a unique nozzle design configured to optimally atomize the fluid into droplets of various sizes. In addition, the system is powered by a dc power system rather than an ac system to eliminate cumbersome power cords. In one embodiment, the dc power system includes a lithium ion battery. The device may charge a liquid or gas, or positively charge.

The system is configured to electrostatically charge the aerosolized fluid via direct charging, inductive charging, indirect charging, or any combination thereof. As described below, in direct charging, fluid flows through a conductive tube or other conduit that is electrostatically charged so that the fluid contacts the tube and is charged by direct contact with the tube. For inductive or indirect charging, the fluid flows through a medium, such as air, that has been electrostatically charged by one or more electrodes or pins that create an electrostatic field through which the fluid flows to accept a c-charge. The electrodes may or may not be in the fluid flow. In one embodiment, the fluid is charged by direct contact with the charged tube and flowing through a medium, such as air, that has been charged with an electrode such as described herein.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electrostatic fluid delivery system 105, the electrostatic fluid delivery system 105 being configured to charge a fluid and atomize the fluid for spraying onto a surface. The system 105 includes a housing 110 sized and shaped for grasping by a user. The housing 110 has an ergonomic shape that can be easily grasped and held, but it should be understood that the size and shape can vary. In one embodiment, one or more outlets or openings are positioned in the outer housing providing communication between the interior and exterior of the outer housing, for example for venting.

The system 105 may have one or more actuators or controls 120 that may be activated by a user to activate and operate the system 120. The fluid discharge area 175 is located at the front of the housing 110 and has an opening through which the atomized fluid is discharged. The system 105 also includes a reservoir 125, the reservoir 125 defining a chamber in which fluid may be stored. The chamber of the reservoir 125 communicates with the interior of the nozzle assembly 205 (fig. 2) for supplying fluid to be charged and atomized by the nozzle assembly, as will be described in detail below.

Fig. 2 shows the system 105 in a disassembled state. The housing is formed from a plurality of components that are connected to contain an interior region in which the fan 200 is housed. The fan 200 is powered by a battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The circuit board converts the direct current power into alternating current power for supplying power to the fan. The system may include a stator coupled to the battery and a Protection Circuit Module (PCM).

The fan 200 (or pump) operates to blow fluid (gas or liquid) toward the nozzle assembly 205 in the fluid discharge area 175 of the system. The nozzle assembly 205 atomizes the fluid in the atomizer and discharges the fluid. When the fan blows air towards the nozzle assembly, it creates a pressure differential that draws fluid from the reservoir 125 into the nozzle assembly 205 where it is atomized and expelled as the fan 200 blows air through the nozzle assembly. It should be understood that other structures may be used to blow air, or to blow or push liquid from the reservoir. In one embodiment, a piston pump is used to deliver air pressure to the nozzle head. The piston pump may be pulled from the reservoir tank to push the fluid or pressurize directly to the nozzle head. For embodiments with a smaller footprint (footprint), such as the embodiments of fig. 7 and 8, the pneumatic micro-pump may act as a solenoid that pulls fluid through magnetic motion. The device may also include a pump that pulls a vacuum in the reservoir or fluid tank to move fluid away from the reservoir to the nozzle.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle assembly, which includes an annular housing 305 having a central opening in which a nozzle 310 is positioned. The housing 305 has a conical or frustoconical surface, which may be curved or straight. The surface is shaped to reflect fluid from the nozzle 310 back and forth along the surface to create a turbulent flow of atomized fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid is atomized into droplets ranging in size from 5 microns to 40 microns. The nozzle 310 is mechanically coupled to an actuator assembly 315 that moves the nozzle 310 relative to the housing to control the size of the droplets. In this manner, the user can move the nozzle back and forth to achieve a desired spray profile.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the nozzle 310. The head of the nozzle 310 is centrally located within a charging ring 405, the charging ring 405 being located within the housing 305 in the assembled device (fig. 3). The charging ring 405 is positioned (deep within the housing) to reduce the likelihood of a user contacting the charging ring. The charge ring 405 is grounded and electrically connected to a power supply to achieve a positive voltage on the charge ring 405 during use. The nozzle 310 charges the fluid positively as it discharges atomized fluid through the charging ring 405. In this way, a jet of charged fluid will adhere to the surface on which it is ejected.

Still referring to fig. 4, the nozzle 310 has a series of openings through which the fluid is discharged. These openings communicate with the inner lumen of tube 410 through which fluid flows from reservoir 125 (fig. 1). The openings are arranged in a unique spatial pattern of four openings, each opening being at 90 degrees to an adjacent opening, forming a cross pattern. The size of the openings may vary. In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening is 0.063 inch. As described above, the nozzle may be coupled to a drive assembly that varies the position of the nozzle to control the spray profile.

The size and shape of the electrostatic fluid delivery system may vary. Fig. 5 and 6 show a backpack-type embodiment 405 configured to be carried on the back of a user. The system includes a fluid tank 410 that is removably mounted to a frame 412 so that the tank 410 may be interchanged with another tank. The frame 412 is connected to a harness 420 or other support for mounting on the back of a user, as shown in fig. 6. The tank 410 is fluidly connected to a hand held nozzle 415 through which a stream of electrically charged fluid is discharged. Backpack embodiments may include any portion of the other systems described herein, including electrostatic structures and removable reservoirs.

Additionally, fig. 7 shows another handheld embodiment 705 having a reservoir at the bottom of the device. Fig. 8 shows an embodiment 805 with a manual pump that can be pumped to create a pressure differential that displaces a flow of fluid out of the device.

Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the system 105. As in the previous embodiment, the system 105 has an outer housing 110 forming a handle that can be ergonomically grasped by a single hand of a user. The system 105 includes at least one actuator that can be actuated to turn the internal pump on and off, and a second actuator for turning the electrostatic charger on and off to expel a stream of electrostatically charged fluid from the fluid discharge region 175 of the system 105. The system 105 has a removable reservoir 125 for storing the fluid to be discharged.

The system 105 injects high voltage ions into the air by means of a plurality (e.g., three or more) of sharp, detachable high voltage ion discharge electrodes or pins that are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals (e.g., 120 deg. intervals) on the rim of the nozzle holder (as described below with reference to fig. 14). Each high voltage ion discharge electrode is positioned along an axis parallel to the axis of the spray nozzle so that the spray and ions are emitted in the same direction and along parallel axes so that the droplets in the spray are surrounded and covered by the stream of ions and they can be effectively charged as they encounter the stream of ions. The electrodes eject, propel or otherwise transport ions or charges from the nozzle in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow or the average direction of fluid flow.

Fig. 10 illustrates the system 105 with a portion of the outer housing 110 removed to illustrate the internal components of the system 105. The system 105 includes a pump 1005 powered by a battery 1010. The pump 1005 is fluidly coupled to the fluid within the reservoir 125 such that the pump can generate a pressure differential to draw fluid from within the reservoir into the nozzle assembly 1015, as will be described in detail below. As described below, the system 105 also includes an electrostatic module electrically connected to the electrostatic ring. The electrostatic module in the example embodiment is a 12kV electrostatic module and is configured to electrostatically charge an article, such as an electrode, a ring, and/or a tube, as described below.

In one embodiment, a lamp 1017 is positioned in the front end of the system 105 in the fluid discharge region 175 such that the lamp aims the light in the direction of the fluid discharge. The lamp may be, for example, an LED lamp. The lights may automatically illuminate when any part of the system is activated. In an example embodiment, the LED lamp has 100 lumens, and the light is focused directly on the path of the liquid ejected from the sprayer nozzle. The light may be multi-colored to allow the user to illuminate the fluorescent antimicrobial solution (infrared light). In another embodiment the lamp is dimmed. At least a part of the lamp or electrical components of the lamp may be isolated from contact with the charged field.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a nozzle assembly 1015 comprising a nozzle housing 1105 having an internal cavity that removably contains a nozzle holder or nozzle component 1110 in which one or more nozzles 1115 are positioned in the nozzle holder or nozzle component 1110. An annular electrostatic ring 1120 is mounted on the front edge of the nozzle housing 1105. The electrostatic ring 1120 forms an opening through which fluid is expelled from the reservoir and through at least one of the nozzles by means of a pump that generates a pressure differential. An insulator element, such as a rubber ring 1125, is positioned on the electrostatic ring 1120 to electrically shield the electrostatic ring 1120 from the outer housing 110 of the system.

The high voltage electrostatic ring 1120 has a metal contact that is exposed at the back of the electrostatic ring 1120. High voltage wires are soldered or otherwise electrically connected to the metal contacts from the electrostatic module. The solder joint and adjacent exposed metal are completely encapsulated by epoxy or other insulator to avoid oxidation and leakage of ions from the electrodes. The ground line is connected from the electrostatic module to the ground plate. As described above, the ground cord is embedded in the handle of the sprayer so that it is in contact with the operator during operation. This acts as an electrical return loop to complete the circuit. The electrostatic ring is charged so it transfers charge to an electrode electrically connected to the ring. In another embodiment, the electrodes themselves are each connected to an electrostatic module.

As shown in fig. 12, the system 105 further includes a nozzle tool 1205 removably mechanically coupled to the nozzle assembly for manipulating the nozzle assembly 1110. The nozzle tool 1205 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front opening of the nozzle housing 1105. When inserted into the nozzle housing 1105, the nozzle tool 1205 is mechanically coupled to the nozzle component 1110 in a manner that allows the nozzle tool 1205 to lock and/or allows the nozzle tool 1205 to move the nozzle component 1110 relative to the nozzle housing 1105, as will be described in detail below.

In one embodiment, the tool 1205 is coupled to the nozzle component and removes the nozzle component by rotating counterclockwise and by pressing inward until the nozzle component is uncoupled and can be removed. In this regard, the nozzle component is secured to the housing using a tool to push the nozzle component deeper into the housing causing the threaded portion of the nozzle component to engage the threaded nut or bolt of the housing. The user may then unscrew the nozzle tool and remove it from the housing.

The tool 1205 can also be used to adjust the three-way nozzle by turning the tool 1205 in the desired rotational direction. The user selects three different spray patterns by rotating the nozzle member so that the desired nozzle is fluidly coupled to the reservoir. In this regard, a portion of the tool is mechanically connected to the nozzle component so that the portion of the tool can apply a force to the nozzle component and rotate the nozzle component until the desired nozzle is in a position to fluidly couple with the fluid stream from the reservoir. The system may include a mechanism, such as a spring and ball, that provides a noise (e.g., a clicking sound) when the nozzle is in a position to eject fluid.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of a nozzle tool 1205. The nozzle tool 1205 is sized and shaped for grasping by a user. It includes a coupler region 1705 that can be removably coupled to a drive device, such as a wrench, or grasped by a user. In one embodiment, coupler region 1705 is hexagonal such that it can be mechanically coupled to a wrench, including a socket wrench. The nozzle tool 1205 includes a cavity or seat 1710 that is sized and shaped to receive the exterior of the nozzle component. For example, the seat 1710 may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the nozzle component 1110 and receives the nozzle component 1110. The nozzle tool 1205 also includes at least one opening 1715, the at least one opening 1715 interlocking with a complementary shaped protrusion 1405 (fig. 14) on the nozzle component 1110.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the nozzle housing 1105, with the nozzle component 1110 not installed. The nozzle housing 1105 has an elongated cylindrical shape and defines an interior cavity 1305, the interior cavity 130 being sized to removably receive the nozzle component 1110. An electrostatic ring 1120 is mounted on the front edge of the nozzle housing 1105, and a rubber ring 1125 is located in a seat within the electrostatic ring 1120. Rubber ring 1125 insulates a set of three-electrode assemblies 1310, which set of three-electrode assemblies 1310 are mounted on electrostatic ring 1120 in a predetermined position and orientation. When the electrode assembly 1310 is positioned in the nozzle housing 1105, the electrode assembly 1310 is disposed around an opening of the nozzle housing 1105, the nozzle housing 1105 surrounding a nozzle of the nozzle assembly 1110. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly 1310 is positioned around the electrostatic ring 1120 in 120 ° increments.

Electrostatic ring 1120 includes three electrodes (which may be made of, for example, stainless steel) that are electrically isolated by a rubber gasket and a rubber threaded cap, as described below. The electrostatic ring 1120 holding the electrode is metallic and is constructed inside the nozzle housing. The electrostatic ring is isolated inside the nozzle housing that acts as a protective barrier. The electrostatic ring 1120 includes three internally threaded holes for receiving three electrodes. A rubber gasket is interposed between the electrostatic ring 1120 and the insulator on each electrode. The rubber gasket helps to screw the electrode to the electrostatic ring 1120 and helps to avoid leakage of ions from the electrode. The entire electrostatic ring 1120 is isolated inside the nozzle housing so that it acts as a protective barrier.

When properly installed, the ring forms a safety gap between the discharge electrode and the outer housing to minimize static leakage through the housing. The rubber ring isolates the nozzle housing from charging the sprayer housing. The rubber ring also isolates the nozzle housing from the body of the sprayer to prevent water from penetrating into the body of the sprayer.

A hose coupler 1320 is located at one end of the nozzle housing and is configured to couple to the housing or other conduit in communication with the reservoir. The hose coupling 132 defines an internal passage in communication with the nozzle 1115 for feeding fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle 1115.

Fig. 14 illustrates a nozzle member 1110 that is sized and shaped to be removably positioned within a cavity 1305 of a nozzle housing 1105. The nozzle component 1110 houses one or more nozzles 1115, each configured to deliver a fluid in a predetermined spray or mist pattern. The nozzle member 1110 includes one or more protrusions 1405 or other structural elements sized and shaped to receive complementary structures on the nozzle tool 1205, as described below. Please note that: an electrostatic ring 1120 with an electrode assembly 1310 is positioned around the nozzle 1115 with the electrodes of the assembly 1310 aligned along an axis parallel to the nozzle axis.

Any of a variety of nozzle types may be used to achieve the desired flow pattern. Some non-limiting examples of electrodes are now described. In one embodiment, the electrodes include three exemplary types as follows:

(1) a nozzle providing a conical spray with a flow rate of 0.23 litres/minute, 45 ° @3.5 bar, SMD 113 microns, internal orifice 0.65 mm;

(2) a nozzle providing a conical spray with a flow rate of 0.369 litres/minute, 60 ° @3.5 bar, SMD ═ 84 microns, internal pores ═ 0.58 mm;

(3) a nozzle providing a fan spray with a flow rate of 0.42 litres/minute, 60 ° @3.5 bar, SMD 100 microns, internal orifice 1.00 mm.

It should be understood that the above described nozzles are merely examples and that variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows an electrode assembly 1310 that includes a high voltage ion discharge electrode 1510 (or pin) and an insulating element 1520 over the electrode or pin 1510. The insulating element 1520 is sized and shaped such that the insulating element 1520 substantially covers all of the electrode 1510, exposing only a forward portion of the electrode 1510 in the form of an axially aligned forward facing conical tip. Fig. 16 shows an electrode 1510 (sometimes referred to as a pin) without insulating elements 1520. Each high voltage ion discharge electrode in the system has the same structure as shown in fig. 15, and a plastic wrapped (overmold) metal pin is used in the middle of the pin. Each metal pin has a sharp tip at one end and an external thread at the other end. Although the pins are not necessarily removable, the insulating element at the middle of the pins may be plastic for ease of gripping during installation and removal. The plastic also serves to insulate the pin and prevent the pin from releasing ions from the body of the pin. The electrode assembly may also be a set of electrode assemblies of the type shown in figure 15.

Thus, each electrode assembly 1310 includes an insulator element 1520, which may be formed by a rubber gasket covering the middle section of the electrode, and a rubber cover covering the front section except for the forwardmost tip. The rubber gasket and plastic or rubber cap (or cover) isolate the electrode and prevent the electrode from static leakage, so only the tip is exposed and/or uninsulated.

Each high voltage ion discharge electrode is to be screwed into an internal thread on a high voltage ring 1120 coupled to the nozzle member 1110. After being mounted to the high voltage ring 1120, each high voltage ion discharge electrode is completely covered and hidden by an insulator element except for the tip of its end.

Fig. 18 shows an enlarged view of the handle area of the housing 110. The grip region is sized and shaped to be ergonomically shaped to be grasped by a single hand of a user. The trigger 1805 or other actuator, such as a knob, switch, etc., is ergonomically positioned so that the user can activate the trigger with his or her fingers as his or her other fingers wrap around the post 1810 in the handle area. A ground wire 1815 or other structure 1815 is embedded in a handle area, such as a post 1810. Ground wire 1815 is positioned such that when a user grasps post 1810 during use of the device, ground wire 1815 electrically contacts the location of the user's hand. In one embodiment, the ground wire is made of copper and is a copper strip of material that contacts the user's hand when the user grasps the device, although other materials, such as stainless steel, may be used.

Fig. 19 shows the handle area with a portion of the outer housing 110 removed, showing the internal components of the device, particularly in the case of the reservoir 125, which is a container enclosing an internal cavity containing a fluid. The reservoir is removably secured to the housing 110 and includes a guide surface 1907 that slides into the housing 110. In one embodiment, the guide surfaces 1907 define one or more angled guide projections that interact with the housing 110 to properly guide the reservoir 125 into the housing 110.

Still referring to fig. 19, a first detachment mechanism 1905, such as a ring connected to a biasing or tensioning structure (e.g., pins), and a second detachment mechanism 1920, such as a rotatable wheel or cap 1921, may be jointly actuated by a user to allow detachment of the reservoir 125 from the outer housing and re-locking connection of the reservoir to the outer housing. Fig. 20 shows a view of the portion of the cap 1921 that communicates with and covers the interior cavity of the reservoir 125. A one-way valve 2003 (e.g., a duckbill valve) is positioned in the cap 1921, and when the pump of the system pulls a vacuum in the reservoir, the one-way valve 2003 provides an outlet for fluid from the atmosphere into the interior of the reservoir.

Fig. 21 illustrates the reservoir 125 including an opening 2005 that provides access to the interior cavity of the reservoir 125. The opening 2005 is defined by a neck 2010, the neck 2010 having one or more flanges or threads. The neck 2010 is sealably engageable with first and second detachment mechanisms 1905, 1920 of the system to separate or lockingly connect the reservoir and the housing.

Fig. 22 shows the system with the reservoir 125 and a portion of the outer housing removed. As described above, the first separation mechanism 1905 is configured to connect to a reservoir. Specifically, the first disengagement mechanism 1905 includes a spring-loaded or tensioned structure that is biased toward locking engagement with a central seat 2020 (fig. 21), structure, or opening of the housing of the reservoir. The first detachment mechanism 1905 is biased to automatically engage and lock with the socket 2020 (or other structure), and when inserted, the first detachment mechanism 1905 locks the reservoir 125 to the housing. As such, the detachment mechanism 1905 mechanically prevents the reservoir from being removed from the housing unless the user pulls, breaks, or releases the first detachment mechanism 1905 from the reservoir. The user may release the first detachment mechanism 1905 from the reservoir by disconnecting the first detachment mechanism 1905 from the reservoir by pulling a structure, such as a ring or tab of the first detachment mechanism 1905. The user must therefore pull the first separating mechanism relative to the housing and/or the reservoir to release the reservoir from the housing.

Still referring to fig. 22, the second separation mechanism 1920 is a rotatable structure, such as a threaded wheel, that engages the neck 2010 (fig. 21) of the reservoir 125, or a portion thereof. In one embodiment, once the reservoir 125 is connected to the outer housing, the wheels of the second separation mechanism 1920 are rotated (e.g., three-quarters of a turn or other range of rotation) by the user. Rotation of the knob of the second separation mechanism 1920 lockingly and sealingly engages the opening 2005 of the reservoir onto the knob and the internal conduit of the system that fluidly couples the fluid in the reservoir to the nozzle.

In this regard, the outlet conduit 2115 is in fluid communication with the interior region of the reservoir when the reservoir is connected and lockingly sealed to the housing. The outlet conduit 2115 may be fluidly connected to a pump inlet conduit 2120 of the pump 1005 by, for example, a hose (not shown). The pump 1005 has an outlet conduit 2125, which outlet conduit 2125 can be fluidly connected to the hose coupler 1320 (fig. 13) of the nozzle assembly. In this manner, the pump may create a pressure differential that draws fluid from the reservoir and drives the fluid to the nozzle assembly.

In one embodiment, a hose or tube connects the outlet conduit 2125 of the pump 1005 to the hose coupler 1320 of the nozzle assembly. The tubing (or other conduit) connecting the pump 1005 and the nozzle assembly may be configured to electrostatically charge the fluid flowing through the tubing by directly charging between the charged tubing and the fluid flowing through the tubing to the nozzle. This will be described in detail with reference to fig. 24, which shows an ion tube insulator 2405 charging fluid from a reservoir or pump and flowing to the nozzle. The ion tube insulator includes a tube 2410 through which fluid passes and a high voltage electrode assembly or module 2415 electrically connected to the electrostatic module and made of a conductive material such as metal. The module 2415 may include leads that may be electrically connected to the electrostatic module, for example, via electrically conductive wires.

In one embodiment, the module 2415 is a conductive material, such as a metal. In one embodiment, only module 2415 is conductive, while the rest of tube 2410 is non-conductive and/or insulating, and does not contact any other part of the system. The module 2415 may also be surrounded by an insulator that insulates the module 2415 from contact with any other parts of the system. As fluid flows through the tube 2410, the module 2415 directly contacts the fluid as it flows and transfers charge to the fluid by direct contact with the fluid. Thus, the ion tube insulator 2405 electrostatically charges the fluid before it passes through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the pump 1005 is a Direct Current (DC) pump. The pump includes a rotary motor with a connecting rod that, when activated, drives the diaphragm up and down. During the downward movement of the diaphragm, the pump cavity creates a pressure differential, for example by pulling a vacuum against the interior of the reservoir, thereby drawing fluid from the reservoir through the pump inlet conduit 2120. The upward movement of the diaphragm forces fluid from the pump cavity toward the hose coupling 1320 of the nozzle assembly and toward the pump outlet conduit 2125 through the connecting hose which connects the pump outlet conduit 2125 to the hose coupling 1320. Any mechanical transmission and pump cavity are isolated by a diaphragm within the pump. The diaphragm pump does not require oil for auxiliary lubrication during fluid transfer, extraction and compression. Fig. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of the pump 1005, the pump 1005 including a pump inlet conduit 2120 and a pump outlet conduit 2125.

In use, a user grasps the system 105 and powers the pump so that the pump expels fluid from the reservoir from the selected nozzle. As described above, the user may insert and lock the nozzle assembly 1015 to the system using the nozzle tool 1205. The user may also use the nozzle tool 1205 to rotate the nozzle member and fluidly couple a selected nozzle to the reservoir. The user can thus select a desired fluid jet profile. The system may also be equipped with only a single nozzle. The user also activates the electrostatic module to charge the electrodes and create an electrostatic field in the electrode ring. Fluid is expelled from the nozzle through the ring and through an electrostatic field to charge fluid droplets in the aerosol jet with a positive or negative charge. As described above, the electrode and the nozzle are aligned along a common parallel axis. This directs the liquid or aerosol to the desired target depending on where the user is pointing the nozzle. In one embodiment, the electrode is not in physical contact with the fluid discharged through the nozzle. In another embodiment, the electrode is in physical contact with the fluid discharged through the nozzle.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as claimed or as may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even claimed as such at the outset, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Likewise, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.