US 6,350,417 B1 · Electrode self-cleaning mechanism for electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner devices

Abstract

An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible MYLAR type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes. As the conditioner is turned upside down and rightside up, friction between the opening in the bead-like member and wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The through channel may be symmetrically formed in the bead-like member, but preferably will be asymmetrical to create a mechanical moment and increased friction with the surface of the wire-like electrode being cleaned.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An electro-kinetic transporter-conditioner, comprising:

a housing;
a first electrode array including at least one wire-shaped electrode, disposed in said housing;
a second electrode array, removably disposed in said housing, having a base member and including at least two electrodes disposed substantially parallel to said wire-shaped electrode in said first electrode array, said wire-shaped electrode in said first electrode array being equidistant from said two electrodes in said second electrode array;
a source of high voltage outputting a signal whose duty cycle may be varied from about 10% to about 100%, disposed in said housing, coupled between said first electrode array and said second electrode array;
and
means, attached to said base member, for frictionally cleaning said wire-shaped electrode whenever said base member of said second electrode array is moved within said housing.

3 more elements

An electro-kinetic transporter-conditioner, comprising:

a housing;
a first electrode array including at least one wire-shaped electrode, disposed in said housing;
a second electrode array, removably disposed in said housing, having abase member and including at least two electrodes disposed substantially parallel to said wire-shaped electrode in said first electrode array, said wire-shaped electrode in said first electrode array being equidistant from said two electrodes in said second electrode array;
a source of high voltage, disposed in said housing, coupled between said first electrode array and said second electrode array, and
at least one bead-shaped member defining a through opening;
wherein said wire-shaped electrode passes through said through opening and an outer surface of said wire-shaped electrode may be at least partially frictionally cleaned by movement of said bead-shaped member along a length of said wire-shaped electrode.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrode self-cleaning mechanism for electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner devices

Life of this patent

Electrode self-cleaning mechanism for electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19