Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.

Other

The University of Tennessee Research Foundation

William E Deeds

Alvin J Sanders

Mark Edward Rupright

An apparatus and method for use thereof in the creating of a nanogravity environment substantially throughout a working volume sufficient for performing a desired operation and existing for a length of time sufficient for performing the desired operation are disclosed. Involved in the creation of the nanogravity environment are the use of an apparatus in which the mass density of the walls are distributed (either directly or by the attachment of compensating masses) so that the surface density of the mass is directly proportional to the electric charge density along the walls which would be sufficient to neutralize the interior electric field, the orbiting of the apparatus around a planetary mass, and the minimization of disruptive accelerations on the apparatus by the selective transfer of the momentum of solar photons to the apparatus.

Method for producing extreme microgravity in extended volumes

Electrically charged meltblown webs are formed by convergingly discharging electrically charged hot air onto a row of extruded polymer fibers to contact the fibers thereby (i) attenuating and stretching the fibers and (ii) imparting an electric charge to the fibers. The fibers may be continuous or discontinuous.

Charging method for meltblown webs

The apparatus of the present invention employs a collector drum with an electrically charged surface for use in preparing electrically charged meltblown fibrous webs. The apparatus may be used as a primary charging system or, alternatively, with other charging system to enhance the charging of the web. The invention produces webs with exceptional filtration properties.

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Knoxville, TN, United States of America

William E Deeds