Abstract:
Apparatus and systems for high-voltage electrostatic charging of particles are disclosed which are compact and lightweight so as to be truly portable. High-voltage electrostatic particle charging tools are disclosed for performing the useful function of propelling charged particles toward a desired object incorporating a high-voltage supply as part of the handling tool, the illustrative high-voltage supplies being voltage multiplier rectifier networks. The voltage multiplier sections are stacked within the barrel structure of the handling tool to provide progressively higher voltages toward the muzzle end thus minimizing electrical leakage and reducing hazard. A pair of parallel-spaced stacks of capacitors with diode rectifiers selectively interconnected between the respective capacitors of the stacks are encapsulated within solid insulating material to form a rigid barrel structure. A portable setup transformer is positioned emote from the tool the transformer being adapted to be worn by the user, as by mounting on his belt, and the tool being connected to the secondary winding of the transformer by a flexible insulated electrical cable. Air-atomizing as well as hydraulic-atomizing systems may be employed with the invention.