US3582694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrogasdynamic systems and methods
Assignee: Energy Innovations Inc
•
Filing: 1969-06-20
•
Granted: 1971-06-01
•
Expires: 1989-06-20
Abstract
Abstract Electrogasdynamic systems in which a plurality of slender gas flow channels carry electrical charges to a downstream charge collector. Each flow channel is of elongate cross section, and the elongate dimension thereof may progressively increase from one end of the channel to the other. Electrical charges are injected into the flow by a corona discharge established in the flow between attractor and corona discharge electrodes extending laterally across the flow in the direction of elongation of the channel cross section and located preferably at the channel side. Adjacent channels are defined by spaced dielectric plates or by spaced rows of conductive wires mutually spaced in the direction of flow and connected externally to an electrical biasing or current-carrying circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Meredith C Gourdine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:04
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02N; H02N3/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 75
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
Electrogasdynamic converter apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having a inlet and outlet and means for establishing therebetween a flow path boundary configuration for the stream when the stream is passed therethrough, the boundary configuration having a substantially elongate cross section; first electrical discharge electrode means disposed at a side of the flow path so as to be substantially flush with the immediately downstream portion of the flow boundary configuration; and first attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of the flow path so as to be substantially flush with the immediately downstream portion of the flow boundary configuration in opposed relation to the discharge electrode means, the discharge and attractor electrode means extending laterally of the flow path in the direction of boundary configuration elongation and having at least portions thereof electrically exposed to the flow path to form a fluid ionizing electrode pair; the discharge and attractor electrode means and the boundary establishing means forming a substantially smooth, continuous flow path to reduce friction losses upon movement of the fluid through the apparatus
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
Electrogasdynamic converter apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having a inlet and outlet and means for establishing therebetween a flow path boundary configuration for the stream when the stream is passed therethrough, the boundary configuration having a substantially elongate cross section; first electrical discharge electrode means disposed at a side of the flow path so as to be substantially flush with the immediately downstream portion of the flow boundary configuration; and first attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of the flow path so as to be substantially flush with the immediately downstream portion of the flow boundary configuration in opposed relation to the discharge electrode means, the discharge and attractor electrode means extending laterally of the flow path in the direction of boundary configuration elongation and having at least portions thereof electrically exposed to the flow path to form a fluid ionizing electrode pair; the discharge and attractor electrode means and the boundary establishing means forming a substantially smooth, continuous flow path to reduce friction losses upon movement of the fluid through the apparatus
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: at least one additional discharge electrode means and at least one additional attractor electrode means disposed, respectively, to be substantially flush with the flow boundary configuration, the additional discharge and attractor electrode means being in opposed relation and spaced at a distance downstream from the first discharge and attractor electrode means to form an additional ionizing electrode pair; each of the additional electrodes and the boundary establishing means establishing a substantially smooth continuous transition therebetween to reduce friction losses resulting from the presence of the additional electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, further comprising: collector electrode means downstream of the attractor and discharge electrode means and disposed in relation to the flow path to collect ions from the fluid stream; and a voltage divider network in the form of a resistive film superposed on a surface of the guide means, the network being electrically connected between the collector electrode means and at least one electrode pair to develop an ionizing potential therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein consecutive discharge electrodes and consecutive attractor electrodes are located at opposite sides of the flow path from preceding discharge electrodes and attractor electrodes, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 in which each associated pair of discharge and attractor electrodes and a distance of the flow path therefrom to a consecutive electrode form an electrogasdynamic converter stage, the apparatus further comprising: source means connected to alternate electrode pairs for ionizing the fluid to produce ions of opposite electrical polarity in consecutive stages; means for connecting one side of an external circuit to the discharge electrode means at one side of the flow path; and means for connecting the other side of the external circuit to the discharge electrodes at the other side of the flow path.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which: said boundary configuration establishing means comprises means increasing the cross section of the boundary configuration progressively in the area between the inlet and the outlet of the fluid guide means to prevent constriction of the stream by electrically produced forces thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein: the transverse dimension of the boundary configuration is substantially constant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein: the constant dimension is greater than approximately 1 millimeter and less than approximately 5 millimeters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the discharge electrode means comprises a thin wire; and the thin wire is partially embedded in the fluid guide means to leave only a portion of the surface exposed to the flow path.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the discharge electrode means comprises: a narrow, thin-film conductive strip superposed on an inside surface of the guide means and presenting to the flow path a line of corona discharge when an ionizing potential, relative to the attractor electrode means, is applied thereto.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the discharge means comprises: a thin strip of conductive material disposed transversely in the guide means to leave exposed to the flow path an edge substantially flush with the flow boundary configuration and forming a line of corona discharge when a ionizing potential, relative to the attractor electrode, is applied thereto.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: plural electroconductive electrical field shielding means for substantially reducing the effect of electrical fields adjacent the flow path boundary; the shielding means extending laterally of the flow path and including electroconductive elements mutually spaced along the axis of flow downstream of the electrode means; and means for establishing a conductive path interconnecting the electroconductive elements.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which: the electroconductive shielding means comprises conductive elements disposed to be surrounded by the stream, each element being spaced sufficiently closely to an adjacent such element to establish a thin boundary layer of fluid when said stream is passed therethrough at subsonic flow conditions, thereby establishing a part of said flow boundary.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
133 words
Apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and outlet and defining therebetween a flow path for the fluid, the interior of the guide means having a dielectric surface providing a flow boundary configuration; corona discharge electrode means extending lateRally of and disposed at a side of the flow path, the corona discharge electrode means comprising a narrow thin-film strip of conductive ceramic material superposed on the dielectric surface of the guide means; and attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of the flow path in opposed relation to the corona discharge electrode means and comprising a thin-film strip of conductive ceramic material superposed on the dielectric surface, the attractor electrode means being substantially wider than the corona electrode means in the direction of fluid flow.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
133 words
Apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and outlet and defining therebetween a flow path for the fluid, the interior of the guide means having a dielectric surface providing a flow boundary configuration; corona discharge electrode means extending lateRally of and disposed at a side of the flow path, the corona discharge electrode means comprising a narrow thin-film strip of conductive ceramic material superposed on the dielectric surface of the guide means; and attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of the flow path in opposed relation to the corona discharge electrode means and comprising a thin-film strip of conductive ceramic material superposed on the dielectric surface, the attractor electrode means being substantially wider than the corona electrode means in the direction of fluid flow.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein: the ceramic material is selected from the group consisting of zirconium diboride, titanium diboride, zirconium carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, and vanadium carbide.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
172 words
In electrogasdynamic arrangements for effecting an electrogasdynamic energy exchange, apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid including the combination of: fluid guide means providing a plurality of parallel flow paths for the fluid each having an inlet and an outlet, the fluid guide means including flow separating means defining flow path bounds along which at least portions thereof are nonconducting so as to avoid a continuous conductive surface adjacent the flow paths for establishing plural flow paths of elongate cross section in fluid flow areas free of discharge, attractor, and collector electrodes; electrical discharge electrode means at an upstream end of each flow path having a charge emitting surface exposed to the flow path to release an electrical discharge of one polarity thereinto; and attractor electrode means at the upstream end of each flow path disposed to have a surface thereof exposed to the flow path, each attractor electrode means forming with a respective discharge electrode means an ionizing electrode pair to create therebetween an electrical discharge field for ionizing the fluid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
172 words
In electrogasdynamic arrangements for effecting an electrogasdynamic energy exchange, apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid including the combination of: fluid guide means providing a plurality of parallel flow paths for the fluid each having an inlet and an outlet, the fluid guide means including flow separating means defining flow path bounds along which at least portions thereof are nonconducting so as to avoid a continuous conductive surface adjacent the flow paths for establishing plural flow paths of elongate cross section in fluid flow areas free of discharge, attractor, and collector electrodes; electrical discharge electrode means at an upstream end of each flow path having a charge emitting surface exposed to the flow path to release an electrical discharge of one polarity thereinto; and attractor electrode means at the upstream end of each flow path disposed to have a surface thereof exposed to the flow path, each attractor electrode means forming with a respective discharge electrode means an ionizing electrode pair to create therebetween an electrical discharge field for ionizing the fluid.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which: the flow separating means includes a plurality of spaced, generally parallel dielectric plates, with the spaces between adjacent ones thereof forming fluid flow channels.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, in which: the flow separating means includes a plurality of electroconductive elements exposed to the flow and mutually spaced in the direction of flow.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: means for interconnecting the electroconductive elements through a circuit to establish potential differences between at least two of such elements.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 18, in which: the electroconductive elements extend laterally of the flow in a plurality of transversely spaced rows.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 20, in which: the electroconductive elements of adjacent rows are axially spaced.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: circuit means interconnecting the electroconductive elements of adjacent rows to establish on axially consecutive ones thereof progressively different electrical potentials effective to limit the electrical space charge field in the flow paths.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, further comprising: a collecting chamber disposed to receive ionized fluid flow from the outlets of the flow paths and defining a further boundary configuration for the stream, the further boundary configuration having a cross-sectional area normal to the flow which is greater than the combined corresponding cross-sectional areas of the flow paths.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, in which: the collecting chamber has a conductive surface at the boundary of the flow and exposed to the fluid from the flow channel outlets.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein: the axial dimension of the flow separating means between the ionizing electrode pairs and the outlets of the flow channels is at least as great as one-half the shortest dimension of the collecting chamber normal to the axiS of fluid flow.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 23, in which the collecting chamber is a conduit in which the ionized flow produces a space charge field, the apparatus further comprising: passive conductor means associated with and electrically isolated from the conduit and operable in the space charge field for enhancing the space charge field electrical gradient normal to the conduit axis at downstream locations in the conduit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 16, in which: the attractor electrode means comprises a pair of conductive plates extending axially of the flow path from the upstream end of the fluid guide means to form the inlet to the fluid guide means, and the electrical discharge electrode means comprises a thin wirelike element disposed between the attractor electrode plates.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, in which: at least one of the electrical discharge and attractor electrode means forms an axial extension of the fluid guide means in the upstream direction of the flow path, and the cross-sectional area normal to the flow path of the boundary configuration defined by the extension is greater than the cross-sectional area of the boundary configuration defined by the bounds defining means downstream thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, in which: both the attractor and discharge electrode means have a surface thereof substantially flush with the flow path boundary and extending in the direction of flow path boundary elongation, the discharge and attractor electrodes being disposed at opposite sides of the flow path.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: second attractor electrode means having a conductive surface exposed to the flow path and being effective on the electrical discharge to extend the dimension of the discharge field in the direction of the axis of fluid flow.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus according to claim 30, in which: the first attractor electrode means includes conductive surfaces exposed to the flow path at respective opposite sides thereof, and the second attractor electrode means also includes at least one conductive surface located in the flow path intermediate the respective opposite sides of the flow path axially spaced from the first attractor electrode.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: collector electrode means downstream of the electrical discharge and attractor electrode means; and means for connecting the collector electrode means to an electrical load to receive from the collector electrode electrical charges carried by the flow.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
187 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and providing therebetween a channel in the stream; means in the guide means defining a plurality of parallel flow paths for the stream, the flow paths having a substantially rectangular boundary configuration of which the cross-sectional area progressively increases from the inlet to the outlet of the guide means; corona discharge electrode means extending laterally of and disposed at a side of each of the flow paths; and attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of each of the flow paths in opposed relation to the respective corona discharge electrode means, the corona discharge and attractor electrode means having at least portions thereof electrically exposed to the flow path, the corona discharge and attractor electrode means of each flow path being electrically connected, respectively, to the corresponding corona discharge and attractor electrode means of the other flow paths; the increase in cross-sectional area of the flow paths following associated corona and attractor electrode means being effective to reduce the tendency toward ion acceleration following charging of the stream.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
187 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and providing therebetween a channel in the stream; means in the guide means defining a plurality of parallel flow paths for the stream, the flow paths having a substantially rectangular boundary configuration of which the cross-sectional area progressively increases from the inlet to the outlet of the guide means; corona discharge electrode means extending laterally of and disposed at a side of each of the flow paths; and attractor electrode means disposed at an opposite side of each of the flow paths in opposed relation to the respective corona discharge electrode means, the corona discharge and attractor electrode means having at least portions thereof electrically exposed to the flow path, the corona discharge and attractor electrode means of each flow path being electrically connected, respectively, to the corresponding corona discharge and attractor electrode means of the other flow paths; the increase in cross-sectional area of the flow paths following associated corona and attractor electrode means being effective to reduce the tendency toward ion acceleration following charging of the stream.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 33, in which the means defining the plurality of flow paths is a plurality of genErally parallel dielectric plates.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 33 in which the means defining the plurality of flow paths comprises: a plurality of layers of elongated wirelike electroconductive elements extending laterally of the flow paths to provide said boundary configuration.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 35, in which the electroconductive elements are dielectrically coated.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 33 wherein: each of the flow paths has approximately the same transverse dimension.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 33, further comprising: collector electrode means downstream of the attractor and corona discharge electrode means and disposed laterally and at the side of each of the respective flow paths, the collector electrode means having an electrical characteristic to neutralize ions in the fluid stream.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
179 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus operative on a stream of fluid to effect a conversion between the energy of the fluid and electrical energy, comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and providing therebetween a channel for the stream; a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially parallel dielectric plates in the guide means defining a plurality of parallel flow paths for the fluid; the flow paths having a substantially rectangular boundary configuration of which the cross-sectional area progressively increases from the inlet and to the outlet; a plurality of elongate corona discharge electrodes disposed laterally of and at a side of each of the flow paths, the corona discharge electrodes being spaced apart in the direction of fluid flow; and a plurality of elongate attractor electrodes disposed laterally of and at an opposite side of the respective flow paths in opposed relation to and paired with the respective corona discharge electrodes, the several corona discharge and attractor electrodes providing conductive portions substantially flush with the respective surfaces of the dielectric plates so as to be electrically exposed to the flow paths.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
179 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus operative on a stream of fluid to effect a conversion between the energy of the fluid and electrical energy, comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and providing therebetween a channel for the stream; a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially parallel dielectric plates in the guide means defining a plurality of parallel flow paths for the fluid; the flow paths having a substantially rectangular boundary configuration of which the cross-sectional area progressively increases from the inlet and to the outlet; a plurality of elongate corona discharge electrodes disposed laterally of and at a side of each of the flow paths, the corona discharge electrodes being spaced apart in the direction of fluid flow; and a plurality of elongate attractor electrodes disposed laterally of and at an opposite side of the respective flow paths in opposed relation to and paired with the respective corona discharge electrodes, the several corona discharge and attractor electrodes providing conductive portions substantially flush with the respective surfaces of the dielectric plates so as to be electrically exposed to the flow paths.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid, comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and means for establishing therebetween a flow path boundary configuration for the fluid stream; electrical discharge electrode means downstream of the fluid guide means inlet and having a charge-emitting surface exposed to the flow path to release an electrical discharge, thereinto; first attractor electrode means disposed to have at least one surface thereof exposed to the flow path to form with the discharge electrode means a first ionizing electrode pair for creating an electrical space charge field downstream thereof; and second attractor electrode means associated with the discharge electrode means and having at least one conductive surface disposed in the path of flow, the second attractor electrode means being effective on the electrical discharge to extend the dimension of the ionizing field in the direction of fluid flow.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid, comprising: fluid guide means having an inlet and means for establishing therebetween a flow path boundary configuration for the fluid stream; electrical discharge electrode means downstream of the fluid guide means inlet and having a charge-emitting surface exposed to the flow path to release an electrical discharge, thereinto; first attractor electrode means disposed to have at least one surface thereof exposed to the flow path to form with the discharge electrode means a first ionizing electrode pair for creating an electrical space charge field downstream thereof; and second attractor electrode means associated with the discharge electrode means and having at least one conductive surface disposed in the path of flow, the second attractor electrode means being effective on the electrical discharge to extend the dimension of the ionizing field in the direction of fluid flow.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, in which: the conductive surface of the second attractor electrode means is located downstream of the first attractor electrode means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 40, in which: the upstream attractor electrode means includes a pair of conductive surfaces located at respective opposite sides of the flow path, and the conductive surface of the second attractor electrode means is disposed intermediate the respective opposite sides of the flow path.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 40, further comprising: dielectric divider means for supporting the second attractor electrode means and dividing the flow in the guide means into two separate parallel fluid streams, the second attractor electrode means including a surface exposed to each of the parallel fluid streams.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 40 further comprising: means for applying an electrical potential, relative to the electrical discharge Means, to the first attractor electrode means sufficient to effect ionization of the fluid stream, and means for applying an electrical potential of the same polarity to the second attractor electrode means of greater magnitude than the potential applied to the first attractor electrode means to attract ions in the flow path axially thereto.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
121 words
In electrogasdynamic apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and including a pair of spaced dielectric members defining therebetween an elongate flow boundary configuration; attractor electrode means including a conductive surface extending in the upstream direction from the upstream ends of the dielectric members to form therebetween the inlet for the fluid guide means, the inlet being of an enlarged cross-sectional area normal to the flow path and converging to a smaller cross-sectional area of the flow path immediately adjacent thereto; and electrical discharge electrode means associated with the attractor electrode means and forming therewith an ionizing electrode pair for subjecting the fluid stream at the inlet to an electrical discharge field.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
121 words
In electrogasdynamic apparatus for ionizing a stream of fluid: fluid guide means having an inlet and an outlet and including a pair of spaced dielectric members defining therebetween an elongate flow boundary configuration; attractor electrode means including a conductive surface extending in the upstream direction from the upstream ends of the dielectric members to form therebetween the inlet for the fluid guide means, the inlet being of an enlarged cross-sectional area normal to the flow path and converging to a smaller cross-sectional area of the flow path immediately adjacent thereto; and electrical discharge electrode means associated with the attractor electrode means and forming therewith an ionizing electrode pair for subjecting the fluid stream at the inlet to an electrical discharge field.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to claim 45, in which: the discharge electrode means comprises a plurality of spaced apart thin, wirelike elements, arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the fluid stream and intermediate the conductive surfaces of the attractor electrode means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
137 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of fluid, comprising: means defining a flow path for the fluid having an inlet and an outlet; means for ionizing the fluid in an upstream portion of the flow path to create a space charge field downstream thereof; a conduit disposed to receive the ionized fluid from the outlet of the flow path defining means and thereby to have a space charge field in the interior thereof for collecting the electrical charges carried by the fluid, fluid guide means for defining a substantially nonconducting boundary portion intermediate the ionizing and collecting means; and passive conductor means associated with and electrically isolated from the conduit and operable in the space charge field for enhancing the space charge field electrical gradient normal to the conduit axis at downstream locations in the conduit.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
137 words
Electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of fluid, comprising: means defining a flow path for the fluid having an inlet and an outlet; means for ionizing the fluid in an upstream portion of the flow path to create a space charge field downstream thereof; a conduit disposed to receive the ionized fluid from the outlet of the flow path defining means and thereby to have a space charge field in the interior thereof for collecting the electrical charges carried by the fluid, fluid guide means for defining a substantially nonconducting boundary portion intermediate the ionizing and collecting means; and passive conductor means associated with and electrically isolated from the conduit and operable in the space charge field for enhancing the space charge field electrical gradient normal to the conduit axis at downstream locations in the conduit.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 47, in which: the conductor is elongated in the direction of fluid flow and has a substantial downstream portion electrically insulated from the flow, with at least an upstream portion exposed to the flow to be energized by the charges carried by the fluid.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 48, wherein: the conductor is coaxial with the conduit.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 47, further comprising: means for applying to the passive conductor means an electrical potential to establish between the passive conductor and points surrounding it an electrical field transverse of the direction of flow.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
120 words
An electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of gas comprising: an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet for the stream; electrical discharge electrode means at an upstream location in the enclosure for injecting electrical charges into the stream; and a plurality of electroconductive elements extending interiorly of the enclosure, transversely of and in the flow of downstream of the electrical discharge means, and being mutually spaced in the direction of flow; the enclosure being free of other charging, attracting, and charge collecting electrodes in the enclosure portion housing the conductive elements; and means for connecting the electroconductive elements to an electrical circuit to establish on each thereof a reference potential to modify the electric field within the enclosure.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
120 words
An electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of gas comprising: an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet for the stream; electrical discharge electrode means at an upstream location in the enclosure for injecting electrical charges into the stream; and a plurality of electroconductive elements extending interiorly of the enclosure, transversely of and in the flow of downstream of the electrical discharge means, and being mutually spaced in the direction of flow; the enclosure being free of other charging, attracting, and charge collecting electrodes in the enclosure portion housing the conductive elements; and means for connecting the electroconductive elements to an electrical circuit to establish on each thereof a reference potential to modify the electric field within the enclosure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, in which: the electroconductive elements are disposed in at least one plane parallel to the direction of flow between the inlet and outleT of the enclosure and intermediate sides of the enclosure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, in which: the electroconductive elements are disposed in at least two spaced planes parallel to the direction of flow between the inlet and outlet of the enclosure.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, in which: the electroconductive elements comprise a plurality of conductors having a maximum cross-sectional dimension substantially less than the smallest cross-sectional dimension of any flow path for the stream within the enclosure.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, in which: the reference potential on electroconductive elements at a given axial location differs from the reference potential on electroconductive elements at a different axial location.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, further comprising: collector electrode means exposed to the stream downstream of the electroconductive elements and means for connecting the collector electrode to an external electrical circuit.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 51, in which: the electrical circuit comprises a resistive film on the enclosure, and the axially displaced electroconductive elements are electrically connected to points along the resistive film to connect an impedance between the axially displaced elements.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
98 words
An electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of gas, comprising: means defining an enclosure having an inlet and outlet for the stream; electrical discharge means at an upstream location in the enclosure for injecting electrical charges into the stream; and an array of electroconductive shielding elements disposed in the stream at a downstream location for establishing a reference potential at each thereof effective to limit the maximum space charge field between the electrical discharge means and the outlet by shielding sections of the enclosure from electrical charge concentrations in the stream at other sections of the enclosure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
98 words
An electrogasdynamic apparatus for operating on a stream of gas, comprising: means defining an enclosure having an inlet and outlet for the stream; electrical discharge means at an upstream location in the enclosure for injecting electrical charges into the stream; and an array of electroconductive shielding elements disposed in the stream at a downstream location for establishing a reference potential at each thereof effective to limit the maximum space charge field between the electrical discharge means and the outlet by shielding sections of the enclosure from electrical charge concentrations in the stream at other sections of the enclosure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
107 words
In apparatus for ionizing a gaseous stream: guide means including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart dielectric plates defining therebetween a flow channel for the stream of gas and having an inlet and an outlet; and ionizing electrode means at an upstream location in the guide means for creating an electrical discharge field in the flow channel, the discharge field being effective to produce mobile charge carriers to be forced downstream by the stream; the dielectric plates having passages therein unexposed to the stream for directing a coolant therethrough to effect a transfer of heat from the stream and to the plates downstream of the electrical discharge field.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
107 words
In apparatus for ionizing a gaseous stream: guide means including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart dielectric plates defining therebetween a flow channel for the stream of gas and having an inlet and an outlet; and ionizing electrode means at an upstream location in the guide means for creating an electrical discharge field in the flow channel, the discharge field being effective to produce mobile charge carriers to be forced downstream by the stream; the dielectric plates having passages therein unexposed to the stream for directing a coolant therethrough to effect a transfer of heat from the stream and to the plates downstream of the electrical discharge field.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
127 words
In an electrogasdynamic device, defining an axial flow path for a stream of gas carrying electrical charges, the improvement comprising: an outer, axially elongate channel member for passage of the gas therethrough, means for establishing the electrical charges carried by the gas through the channel, means for controlling the electric field distribution across the interior of the channel member downstream from the charge establishing means, the field controlling means including an array of axially spaced electroconductive shielding elements within the channel member and disposed in the stream to extend thereacross removed from the means for establishing the electrical charges, and means, connected with the shielding elements, for establishing on axially spaced elements a different electrical potential to control the axial electric field gradient within the channel member.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
127 words
In an electrogasdynamic device, defining an axial flow path for a stream of gas carrying electrical charges, the improvement comprising: an outer, axially elongate channel member for passage of the gas therethrough, means for establishing the electrical charges carried by the gas through the channel, means for controlling the electric field distribution across the interior of the channel member downstream from the charge establishing means, the field controlling means including an array of axially spaced electroconductive shielding elements within the channel member and disposed in the stream to extend thereacross removed from the means for establishing the electrical charges, and means, connected with the shielding elements, for establishing on axially spaced elements a different electrical potential to control the axial electric field gradient within the channel member.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement according to claim 60, in which: at least some of the elements are mutually spaced transversely of the flow path.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement according to claim 60, in which: the electroconductive elements present conductive surfaces to the gas stream and are electrically connected to drain off charges, thereby reducing excessive electrical charge buildup within the channel.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvEment of claim 62, in which: the elements comprise metal rodlike members.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |