The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 31, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 25, 1999
Douglas P Wittmer, Upton, MA (US);
Joseph A Jarrell, Newton Highlands, MA (US);
Water Investments Limited, , US;
Abstract
A non-reactive electrospray needle structure that can be used with relatively low electrical potential introduced externally at a selectable location along the length of the needle structure. The electrospray device or apparatus includes a non-conductive tube with an inner diameter, with one end of the tube having a reduced inner diameter thereby forming a tip. The tube is configured to have a fracture in it, positioned a predetermined or selectable distance from the tip. An electrically conductive path, such as a wire or electrode, is provided external to the tube and proximate to the fracture. A collar surrounds the tube proximate the fracture. The electrically conductive path provides a voltage potential to charge the spray. The collar maintains the conductive path in place, seals the tube at the fracture, and provides structural strength. In one embodiment, the tube is packed with a binding material to form a column bed.