Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Michael R Betker

Robert H Dunphy, Jr

Peter R Bossard

A dynamically balanced ion generator is provided which incorporates a detection screen and feedback loop to ensure that the number of positive and negative ions emitted from the generator are substantially equal. The detection screen is located between the ion generating electrodes and the exit port of the device, and is contructed of conductive material which captures a predetermined percentage of ions emitted by the electrodes. The detected imbalance is corrected through a feedback loop comprising an operational amplifier circuit, a low pass filter, a balance control comparator, variable duty cycle oscillator. By varying the duty cycle of the variable duty cycle oscillator, the voltage applied to the primary of a high voltage transformer is controlled such that the relative concentrations of positive and negative ions generated may be altered to compensate for any detected imbalance.

Dynamically balanced ionization blower

An inexpensive circuit monitors the resistance between a body (e.g., a static dissipative work surface, a tool, etc.) and ground potential, and compares that resistance with high and low resistance values defining a preset resistance range. An operational amplifier is connected to the body and causes current to flow from the body and through the op amp feedback network. A switching arrangement coupled to the operational amplifier alternately switches the amplifier feedback network between low and high resistance values defining lower and upper ends, respectively, of the preset resistance range. A logic circuit connected to receive the op amp output (a) lights a green indicator lamp if the resistance under test fails within the preset resistance range, (b) lights red and green lamps alternately and pulses a buzzer if a measured resistance falls below the lower limit of the resistance range, and (c) lights yellow and green lamps alternately and pulses the buzzer if the measured resistance exceeds the upper level of the resistance range. The resistance range can be relatively large, spanning five orders of magnitude of resistance or more. The circuit is particularly useful for preventing static discharges from destroying CMOS and MOSFET electronic devices.

Growing community of inventors

Holland, PA, United States of America

Michael R Betker