EP1508948A2 - Modulares Niederspannungs-Raumionisierungssystem - Google Patents

Modulares Niederspannungs-Raumionisierungssystem Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1508948A2
EP1508948A2 EP04022890A EP04022890A EP1508948A2 EP 1508948 A2 EP1508948 A2 EP 1508948A2 EP 04022890 A EP04022890 A EP 04022890A EP 04022890 A EP04022890 A EP 04022890A EP 1508948 A2 EP1508948 A2 EP 1508948A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
emitter
lines
system controller
emitter module
modules
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04022890A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1508948A3 (de
EP1508948B1 (de
Inventor
William S. Richie, Jr.
Richard D. Rodrigo
Philip R. Hall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority claimed from EP19990115192 external-priority patent/EP0987929B1/de
Publication of EP1508948A2 publication Critical patent/EP1508948A2/de
Publication of EP1508948A3 publication Critical patent/EP1508948A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1508948B1 publication Critical patent/EP1508948B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01TSPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T23/00Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere

Definitions

  • Controlling static charge is an important issue in semiconductor manufacturing because of its significant impact on the device yields. Device defects caused by electrostatically attracted foreign matter and electrostatic discharge events contribute greatly to overall manufacturing losses. Many of the processes for producing integrated circuits use non-conductive materials which generate large static charges and complimentary voltage on wafers and devices.
  • Air ionization is the most effective method of eliminating static charges on non-conductive materials and isolated conductors.
  • Air ionizers are known e.g. from US 4 809 127 and US 4 757 422. Air ionizers generate large quantities of positive and negative ions in the surrounding atmosphere which serve as mobile carriers of charge in the air. As ions flow through the air, they are attracted to oppositely charged particles and surfaces. Neutralization of electrostatically charged surfaces can be rapidly achieved through the process.
  • Air ionization may be performed using electrical ionizers which generate ions in a process known as corona discharge. Electrical ionizers generate air ions through this process by intensifying an electric field around a sharp point until it overcomes the dielectric strength of the surrounding air. Negative corona occurs when electrons are flowing from the electrode into the surrounding air. Positive corona occurs as a result of the flow of electrons from the air molecules into the electrode.
  • the ionizer To achieve the maximum possible reduction in static charges from an ionizer of a given output, the ionizer must produce equal amounts of positive and negative ions. That is, the output of the ionizer must be "balanced.” If the ionizer is out of balance, the isolated conductor and insulators can become charged such that the ionizer creates more problems than it solves. Ionizers may become imbalanced due to power supply drift, power supply failure of one polarity, contamination of electrodes, or degradation of electrodes. In addition, the output of an ionizer may be balanced, but the total ion output may drop below its desired level due to system component degradation.
  • ionization systems incorporate monitoring, automatic balancing via feedback systems, and alarms for detecting uncorrected imbalances and out-of-range outputs.
  • Most feedback systems are entirely or primarily hardware-based. Many of these feedback systems cannot provide very fine balance control, since feedback control signals are fixed based upon hardware component values. Furthermore, the overall range of balance control of such hardware-based feedback systems may be limited based upon the hardware component values. Also, many of the hardware-based feedback systems cannot be easily modified since the individual components are dependent upon each other for proper operation.
  • a charged plate monitor is typically used to calibrate and periodically measure the actual balance of an electrical ionizer, since the actual balance in the work space may be different from the balance detected by the ionizer's sensor.
  • the charged plate monitor is also used to periodically measure static charge decay time. If the decay time is too slow or too fast, the ion output may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the preset ion current value. This adjustment is typically performed by adjusting two trim potentiometers (one for positive ion generation and one for negative ion generation). Periodic decay time measurements are necessary because actual ion output in the work space may not necessarily correlate with the expected ion output for the ion output current value set in the ionizer. For example, the ion output current may be initially set at the factory to a value (e.g., 0.6 ⁇ A) so as to produce the desired amount of ions per unit time.
  • a value e.g., 0.6 ⁇ A
  • the ionizer high voltage power supply is adjusted to restore the initial value of ion current.
  • a room ionization system typically includes a plurality of electrical ionizers connected to a single controller.
  • Fig. 1 shows a conventional room ionization system 10 which includes a plurality of ceiling-mounted emitter modules 12 1 -12 n (also, referred to as "pods") connected in a daisy-chain manner by signal lines 14 to a controller 16.
  • Each emitter module 12 includes an electrical ionizer 18 and communications/control circuitry 20 for performing limited functions, including the following functions:
  • the signal line 14 has four lines; power, ground, alarm and ON/OFF control.
  • the alarm signal which is transmitted on the alarm line does not include any information regarding the identification of the malfunctioning emitter module 12 .
  • the controller 16 does not know which emitter module 12 has malfunctioned when an alarm signal is received.
  • the alarm signal does not identify the type of problem (e.g., bad negative or positive emitter, balance off).
  • the process of identifying which emitter module 12 sent the alarm signal and what type of problem exists is time-consuming.
  • the signal lines 14 between respective emitter modules 12 consist of a plurality of wires with connectors crimped, soldered, or otherwise attached, at each end.
  • the connectors are attached in the field (i.e., during installation) since the length of the signal line 14 may vary between emitter modules 12 . That is, the length of the signal line 14 between emitter module 12 1 and 12 2 may be different from the length of the signal line 14 between emitter module 12 3 and 12 4 .
  • the signal lines 14 may be set to exactly the right length, thereby resulting in a cleaner installation.
  • the conventional room ionization system 10 may be either a high voltage or low voltage system.
  • a high voltage is generated at the controller 16 and is distributed via power cables to the plurality of emitter modules 12 for connection to the positive and negative emitters.
  • a low voltage is generated at the controller 16 and is distributed to the plurality of emitter modules 12 where the voltage is stepped up to the desired high voltage for connection to the positive and negative emitters.
  • the voltage may be AC or DC. If the voltage is DC, it may be either steady state DC or pulse DC.
  • Each type of voltage has advantages and disadvantages.
  • a linear regulator is typically used for the emitter-based low voltage power supply. Since the current passing through a linear regulator is the same as the current at its output, a large voltage drop across the linear regulator (e.g., 25 V drop caused by 30 V in/5 V out) causes the linear regulator to draw a significant amount of power, which, in turn, generates a significant amount of heat. Potential overheating of the linear regulator thus limits the input voltage, which in turn, limits the amount of emitter modules that can be connected to a single controller 16 . Also, since the power lines are not lossless, any current in the line causes a voltage drop across the line.
  • the net effect is that when linear regulators are used in the emitter modules 12 , the distances between successive daisy-chained emitter modules 12 , and the distance between the controller 16 and the emitter modules 12 must be limited to ensure that all emitter modules 12 receive sufficient voltage to drive the module-based high voltage power supplies.
  • Methods and devices are provided for balancing positive and negative ion output in an electrical ionizer having positive and negative ion emitters and positive and negative high voltage power supplies associated with the respective positive and negative ion emitters.
  • a balance reference value is stored in a software-adjustable memory.
  • the balance reference value is compared to a balance measurement value taken by an ion balance sensor located close to the ion emitters.
  • At least one of the positive and negative high voltage power supplies are automatically adjusted if the balance reference value is not equal to the balance measurement value. The adjustment is performed in a manner which causes the balance measurement value to become equal to the balance reference value.
  • the actual ion balance is measured in the work space near the electrical ionizer using a charged plate monitor.
  • the balance reference value is adjusted if the actual balance measurement shows that the automatic ion balance scheme is not providing a true balanced condition.
  • Similar methods and devices are provided for controlling ion output current, wherein an ion output current reference value is stored in a software-adjustable memory, the ion output current reference value is compared to an actual ion current value taken by current metering circuitry within the electrical ionizer, and automatic adjustments are made to maintain a desired ion output current.
  • the decay time is measured in the work space near the electrical ionizer using a charged plate monitor.
  • the ion output current reference value is adjusted if the decay time is too slow or too fast, which in turn, causes the actual ion output current to increase or decrease to match the new ion output current reference value.
  • Both the balance reference value and the ion output current reference value may be adjusted by a remote control device or by a system controller connected to the electrical ionizer.
  • the present invention also provides an ionization system for a predefined area comprising a plurality of emitter modules spaced around the area, a system controller for controlling the emitter modules, and electrical lines for electrically connecting the plurality of emitter modules with the system controller in a daisy-chain manner, wherein the electrical lines provide both communication with, and power to, the emitter modules.
  • each emitter module has an individual address and the system controller individually addresses and controls each emitter module.
  • the balance reference value and ion output current reference value of each emitter module may be individually adjusted, either by the system controller or by a remote control transmitter.
  • miswire protection circuitry is provided in each emitter module to automatically change the relative position of the electrical lines which enter each emitter module upon detection of a miswired condition.
  • each emitter module is provided with a switching power supply to minimize the effects of line loss on the electrical lines.
  • a power mode setting is provided for setting each emitter module in one of a plurality of different operating power modes.
  • the present invention also provides a circuit for changing the relative position of wired electrical lines which are in a fixed relationship to each other, wherein the wired electrical lines include a first communication line and a second communication line.
  • the circuit comprises a first switch associated with the first communication line, a second switch associated with the second communication line, and a processor having an output control signal connected to the first and second switches.
  • the first switch has a first, initial position and a second position which is opposite of the first, initial position.
  • the second switch has a first, initial position and a second position which is opposite of the first, initial position.
  • the output control signal of the processor causes the first and second switches to be placed in their respective first or second position, wherein the first and second communication lines have a first configuration when both are in their first, initial position and a second configuration when both are in their second position.
  • Fig. 2 is a modular room ionization system 22 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the system 22 includes a plurality of ceiling-mounted emitter modules 24 1 -24 n connected in a daisy-chain manner by RS-485 communication/power lines 26 to a system controller 28.
  • a maximum of ten emitter modules 24 are daisy-chained to a single system controller 28 , and successive emitter modules 24 are about 7-12 feet apart from each other.
  • Each emitter module 24 includes an electrical ionizer and communications/control circuitry, both of which are illustrated in more detail in Fig. 4.
  • the system 22 also includes an infrared (IR) remote control transmitter 30 for sending commands to the emitter modules 24 .
  • the circuitry of the transmitter 30 is shown in more detail in Figs. 3A and 3B.
  • the circuitry of the system controller 28 is shown in more detail in Fig. 6.
  • the system 22 provides improved capabilities over conventional systems, such as shown in Fig. 1. Some of the improved capabilities are as follows:
  • Fig. 3A shows a schematic block diagram of the remote control transmitter 30.
  • the transmitter 30 includes two rotary encoding switches 32, four pushbutton switches 34, a 4:2 demultiplexer 36, a serial encoder 38, a frequency modulator 40 and an IR drive circuit 42 .
  • the rotary encoder switches 32 are used to produce seven binary data lines that are used to "address" the individual emitter modules 24 .
  • the four pushbutton switches 34 are used to connect power to the circuitry and create a signal that passes through the 4:2 demultiplexer 36 .
  • the 4:2 demultiplexer 36 comprises two 2 input NAND gates and one 4 input NAND gate. Unlike a conventional 4:2 demultiplexer which produces two output signals, the demultiplexer 36 produces three output signals, namely, two data lines and one enable line.
  • the "enable" signal (which is not produced by a conventional 4:2 demultiplexer), is produced when any of the four inputs are pulled low as a result of a pushbutton being depressed. This signal is used to turn on a LED, and to enable the encoder and modulator outputs.
  • the modulator 40 receives the enable line from the demultiplexer 36 and the serial data from the encoder 38 , and creates a modulated signal. The modulated signal is then passed to the IR diode driver for transmitting the IR information.
  • Fig. 3B is a circuit level diagram of Fig. 3A.
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of one emitter module 24 .
  • the emitter module 24 performs at least the following three basis functions; produce and monitor ions, communicate with the system controller 28 , and receive IR data from the transmitter 30 .
  • the emitter module 24 produces ions using a closed loop topology including three input paths and two output paths. Two of the three input paths monitor the positive and negative ion current and include a current metering circuit 56 or 58 , a multi-input A/D converter 60 , and the microcontroller 44.
  • the third input path monitors the ion balance and includes a sensor antenna 66 , an amplifier 68 , the multi-input A/D converter 60 , and the microcontroller 44 .
  • the two output paths control the voltage level of the high-voltage power supplies 52 or 54 and include the microcontroller 44, a digital potentiometer (or D/A converter as a substitute therefor), an analog switch, high-voltage power supply 52 or 54 , and an output emitter 62 or 64.
  • the digital potentiometer and the analog switch are part of the level control 48 or 50 .
  • the microcontroller 44 holds a reference ion output current value, C REF , obtained from the system controller 28. The microcontroller 44 then compares this value with a measured or actual value, C MEAS , read from the A/D converter 60 . The measured value is obtained by averaging the positive and negative current values. If C MEAS is different than C REF , the microcontroller 44 instructs the digital potentiometers (or D/A's) associated with the positive and negative emitters to increase or decrease their output by the same, or approximately the same, amount.
  • the analog switches of the positive level controls 48, 50 are controlled by the microcontroller 44 which turns them on constantly for steady state DC ionization, or oscillates the switches at varying rates, depending upon the mode of the emitter module.
  • the output signals from the analog switches are then passed to the positive and negative high voltage power supplies 52, 54 .
  • the high voltage power supplies 52 , 54 take in the DC signals and produce a high voltage potential on the ionizing emitter points 62, 64.
  • the return path for the high voltage potential is connected to the positive or negative current metering circuits 56, 58 .
  • the current metering circuits 56, 58 amplify the voltage produced when the high voltage supplies 52, 54 draw a current through a resistor.
  • the high voltage return circuits then pass this signal to the A/D converter 60 (which has four inputs for this purpose).
  • the A/D converter 60 When requested by the microcontroller 44 , the A/D converter 60 produces a serial data stream that corresponds to the voltage level produced by the high voltage return circuit. The microcontroller 44 then compares these values with the programmed values and makes adjustments to the digital potentiometers discussed above.
  • Ion balance of the emitter module 24 is performed using a sensor antenna 66 , an amplifier 68 (such as one having a gain of 34.2), a level adjuster (not shown), and the A/D converter 60 .
  • the sensor antenna 66 is placed between the positive and negative emitters 62, 64 , such as equidistant therebetween. If there is an imbalance in the emitter module 24 , a charge will build up on the sensor antenna 66 . The built-up charge is amplified by the amplifier 68. The amplified signal is level shifted to match the input range of the A/D converter 60 , and is then passed to the A/D converter 60 for use by the microcontroller 44 .
  • a communication circuit disposed between the microcontroller 44 and the system controller 28 includes a miswire protection circuit 70 and a RS-485 encoder/decoder 72.
  • the miswire protection circuit allows the emitter module 24 to function normally even if an installer accidentally inverts (i.e., flips or reverses) the wiring connections when attaching the connectors to the communication/power line 26 .
  • the microcontroller 44 sets two switches on and reads the RS-485 line. From this initial reading, the microcontroller 44 determines if the communication/power line 26 is in an expected state. If the communication/power line 26 is in the expected state and remains in the expected state for a predetermined period of time, then the communication lines of the communication/power line 26 is not flipped and program in the microcontroller 44 proceeds to the next step.
  • switches associated with the miswire protection circuit 70 are reversed to electronically flip the communication lines of the communication/power line 26 to the correct position. Once the communication/power line 26 is corrected, then the path for the system controller 28 to communicate with the emitter module 24 is operational. A full-wave bridge is provided to automatically orient the incoming power to the proper polarity.
  • Fig. 5 is a circuit level diagram of the miswire protection circuit 70. Reversing switches 74 1 and 74 2 electronically flip the communication line, and full-wave bridge 76 flips the power lines. In one preferred four wire ordering scheme, the two RS-485 communication lines are on the outside, and the two power lines are on the inside.
  • the microcontroller 44 in the emitter module 24 needs to retrieve the "address" from the emitter module address circuit.
  • the "address" of the emitter module is set at the installation by adjustment of two rotary encoder switches 90 located on the emitter module 24 .
  • the microcontroller 44 gets the address from the rotary encoder switches 90 and a serial shift register 92 .
  • the rotary encoder switches 90 provide seven binary data lines to the serial shift register 92 .
  • the microcontroller 44 shifts in the switch settings serially to determine the "address” and stores this within its memory.
  • the emitter module 24 includes an IR receive circuit 94 which includes an IR receiver 96 , an IR decoder 98 , and the two rotary encoder switches 90 .
  • the IR receiver 96 strips the carrier frequency off and leaves only a serial data stream which is passed to the IR decoder 98 .
  • the IR decoder 98 receives the data and compares the first five data bits with the five most significant data bits on the rotary encoder switches 90 . If these data bits match, the IR decoder 98 produces four parallel data lines and one valid transmission signal which are input into the microcontroller 44 .
  • the emitter module 24 also includes a watchdog timer 100 to reset the microcontroller 44 if it gets lost.
  • the emitter module 24 further includes a switching power supply 102 which receives between 20-28 VDC from the system controller 28 and creates +12 VDC, +5 VDC, -5 VDC, and ground. As discussed above, a switching power supply was selected because of the need to conserve power due to possible long wire runs which cause large voltage drops.
  • Figs. 9 is a self-explanatory flowchart of the software associated with the emitter module's microcontroller 44 .
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the system controller 28 .
  • the system controller 28 performs at least three basic functions; communicate with the emitter modules 24 , communicate with an external monitoring computer (not shown), and display data.
  • the system controller 28 communicates with the emitter modules 24 using RS-485 communications 104 , and can communicate with the monitoring computer using RS-232 communications 106 .
  • the system controller 28 includes a microcontroller 110 , which can be a a microprocessor. Inputs to the microcontroller 110 include five pushbutton switches 112 and a keyswitch 114 .
  • the pushbutton switches 112 are used to scroll through an LCD display 116 and to select and change settings.
  • the keyswitch 114 is used to set the system into a standby, run or setup mode.
  • the system controller 28 also includes memory 118 and a watchdog timer 120 for use with the microcontroller 110.
  • a portion of the memory 118 is an EEPROM which stores C REF and B REF for the emitter modules 24, as well as other system configuration information, when power is turned off or is disrupted.
  • the watchdog timer 120 detects if the system controller 28 goes dead, and initiates resetting of itself.
  • the system controller 28 further includes two rotary encoder switches 122 and a serial shift register 124 which are similar in operation to the corresponding elements of the emitter module 24 .
  • each emitter module 24 is set to a unique number via its rotary encoder switches 90.
  • the system controller 28 polls the emitter modules 24 1 -24 n to obtain their status-alarm values.
  • the system controller 28 checks the emitter modules 24 to determine if they are numbered in sequence, without any gaps. Through the display 116 , the system controller 28 displays its finding and prompts the operator for approval. If a gap is detected, the operator may either renumber the emitter modules 24 and redo the polling, or signal approval of the existing numbering. Once the. operator signals approval of the numbering scheme, the system controller 28 stores the emitter module numbers for subsequent operation and control. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the system controller 28 automatically assigns numbers to the emitter modules 24 , thereby avoiding the necessity to set switches at every emitter module 24 .
  • the remote control transmitter 30 may send commands directly to the emitter modules 24 or may send the commands through the system controller 28.
  • the system controller 28 includes an IR receiver 126 and an IR decoder 128 for this purpose.
  • the system controller 28 also includes synchronization links, sync in 130 and sync out 132. These links allow a plurality of system controllers 28 to be daisy-chained together in a synchronized manner so that the firing rate and phase of emitter modules 24 associated with a plurality of system controllers 28 may be synchronized with each other. Since only a finite number of emitter modules 24 can be controlled by a single system controller 28 , this feature allows many more emitter modules 24 to operate in synchronized manner. In this scheme, one system controller 28 acts as the master, and the remaining system controllers 28 act as slave controllers.
  • the system controller 28 may optionally include relay indicators 134 for running alarms in a light tower or the like. In this manner, specific alarm conditions can be visually communicated to an operator who may be monitoring a stand-alone system controller 28 or a master system controller 28 having a plurality of slave controllers.
  • the system controller 28 houses three universal input AC switching power supplies (not shown). These power supplies produce an isolated 28 VDC from any line voltage between 90 and 240 VAC and 50-60 Hz.
  • the 28 VDC (which can vary between 20-30 VDC) is distributed to the remote modules 24 for powering the modules.
  • an onboard switching power supply 136 in the system controller 28 receives the 28 VDC from the universal input AC switching power supply, and creates +12 VDC, +5 VDC, -5 VDC, and ground. A switching power supply is preferred to preserve power.
  • Fig. 10 is a self-explanatory flowchart of the software associated with the system controller's microcontroller 110.
  • Fig. 7A is a schematic block diagram of a balance control circuit 138 of an emitter module 24 1 .
  • An ion balance sensor 140 (which includes an op-amp plus an A/D converter) outputs a balance measurement, B MEAS , taken relatively close to the emitters of the emitter module 24 1 .
  • the balance reference value 142 stored in the microcontroller 44, B REF1 is compared to B MEAS in comparator 144. If the values are equal, no adjustment is made to the positive or negative high voltage power supplies 146 . If the values are not equal, appropriate adjustments are made to the power supplies 146 until the values become equal. This process occurs continuously and automatically during operation of the emitter module 24 1 .
  • B REF1 is adjusted up or down by using either the remote control transmitter 30 or the system controller 28 until B ACTUAL is brought back to zero. Due to manufacturing tolerances and system degradation over time, each emitter module 24 will thus likely have a different B REF value.
  • Fig. 7B is a scheme similar to Fig. 7A which is used for the ion current, as discussed above with respect to C REF and C MEAS .
  • C MEAS is the actual ion output current, as directly measured using the circuit elements 56, 58 and 60 shown in Fig. 4.
  • Comparator 152 compares C REF1 (which is stored in memory 150 in the microcontroller 44 ) with C MEAS . If the values are equal, no adjustment is made to the positive or negative high voltage power supplies 146. If the values are not equal, appropriate adjustments are made to the power supplies 146 until the values become equal. This process occurs continuously and automatically during operation of the emitter module 24 1 .
  • decay time readings are taken from a charged plate monitor 148 to obtain an indication of the actual ion output current, C MEAS , in the work space near the emitter module 24 1 . If the decay time is within a desired range, then no further action is taken. However, if the decay time is too slow or too fast, C REF1 is adjusted upward or downward by the operator. The comparator 152 will then show a difference between C MEAS and C REF1 , and appropriate adjustments are automatically made to the power supplies 146 until these values become equal in the same manner as described above.
  • Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the hardware components of the system 22 of Fig. 2.
  • microcontrollers 44 and 110 allow sophisticated features to be implemented, such as the following features:
  • the communications need not necessarily be via RS-485 or RS-232 communication/power lines.
  • the miswire protection circuitry may be used with any type of communication/power lines that can be flipped via switches in the manner described above.

Landscapes

  • Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
EP04022890.0A 1998-09-18 1999-08-16 Modulares Niederspannungs-Raumionisierungssystem Expired - Lifetime EP1508948B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10101898P 1998-09-18 1998-09-18
US101018P 1998-09-18
EP19990115192 EP0987929B1 (de) 1998-09-18 1999-08-16 Ionisierungssystem

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99115192.9 Division 1999-08-16
EP19990115192 Division EP0987929B1 (de) 1998-09-18 1999-08-16 Ionisierungssystem

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1508948A2 true EP1508948A2 (de) 2005-02-23
EP1508948A3 EP1508948A3 (de) 2012-03-21
EP1508948B1 EP1508948B1 (de) 2014-03-05

Family

ID=34066540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04022890.0A Expired - Lifetime EP1508948B1 (de) 1998-09-18 1999-08-16 Modulares Niederspannungs-Raumionisierungssystem

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1508948B1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008049279A1 (de) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Ionisationsvorrichtung
WO2018098421A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2018-05-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63143954A (ja) 1986-12-03 1988-06-16 ボイエイジヤ−.テクノロジ−ズ 空気イオン化方法及び装置
US4757422A (en) 1986-09-15 1988-07-12 Voyager Technologies, Inc. Dynamically balanced ionization blower
US4757421A (en) 1987-05-29 1988-07-12 Honeywell Inc. System for neutralizing electrostatically-charged objects using room air ionization
US4809127A (en) 1987-08-11 1989-02-28 Ion Systems, Inc. Self-regulating air ionizing apparatus
US4901194A (en) 1988-07-20 1990-02-13 Ion Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating air ionization
US4974115A (en) 1988-11-01 1990-11-27 Semtronics Corporation Ionization system
JPH04308694A (ja) 1991-04-08 1992-10-30 Kitagawa Ind Co Ltd 帯電防止用イオン発生装置

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4630167A (en) * 1985-03-11 1986-12-16 Cybergen Systems, Inc. Static charge neutralizing system and method

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4757422A (en) 1986-09-15 1988-07-12 Voyager Technologies, Inc. Dynamically balanced ionization blower
JPS63143954A (ja) 1986-12-03 1988-06-16 ボイエイジヤ−.テクノロジ−ズ 空気イオン化方法及び装置
US4757421A (en) 1987-05-29 1988-07-12 Honeywell Inc. System for neutralizing electrostatically-charged objects using room air ionization
US4809127A (en) 1987-08-11 1989-02-28 Ion Systems, Inc. Self-regulating air ionizing apparatus
US4901194A (en) 1988-07-20 1990-02-13 Ion Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating air ionization
US4974115A (en) 1988-11-01 1990-11-27 Semtronics Corporation Ionization system
JPH04308694A (ja) 1991-04-08 1992-10-30 Kitagawa Ind Co Ltd 帯電防止用イオン発生装置

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008049279A1 (de) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Ionisationsvorrichtung
WO2018098421A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2018-05-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Control system of a balanced micro-pulsed ionizer blower

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1508948A3 (de) 2012-03-21
EP1508948B1 (de) 2014-03-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6252756B1 (en) Low voltage modular room ionization system
EP1067828B1 (de) Sorfortiges Balancesteuerungsablauf für einen Ionisator
EP1508948B1 (de) Modulares Niederspannungs-Raumionisierungssystem
US9356434B2 (en) Active ionization control with closed loop feedback and interleaved sampling

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040925

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 0987929

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: RODRIGO, RICHARD D.

Inventor name: RICHIE, WILLIAM S., JR.

Inventor name: HALL, PHILIP R.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 69945018

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H01T0023000000

Ipc: H05F0003040000

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01T 23/00 20060101ALI20120213BHEP

Ipc: H05F 3/04 20060101AFI20120213BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20120911

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

TPAC Observations by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20131106

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 0987929

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 655599

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 69945018

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140417

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 655599

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140305

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20140305

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 69945018

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140707

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20141208

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 69945018

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140816

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140305

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20140816

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140831

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140816

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140606

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180829

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180822

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180827

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20180827

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69945018

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MK9A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20190816