Electrostatic Sprayer

The present invention is directed to an electrostatic sprayer for applying disinfectants, agricultural production, pesticides, and other chemicals and liquid solutions. The electrostatic sprayer may be used for indoor and outdoor applications. The electrostatic sprayer provides a solution tank for holding a treatment solution, a base for holding and protecting the mechanical and electrical components, including a power supply, solution pump, and electrostatic generator, of the electrostatic sprayer, a supply hose, and a spray wand. The solution tank further includes input and exit filters to remove particles that may damage the solution pump of clog the spray wand. The spray wand includes spray nozzles with backflow valves and metering disks to control the flow of the treatment solution and close the valve when the treatment solution is not sufficiently pressurized to pass through the backflow valve to prevent leak when not in use. An electrostatic switch is also provided for selectively powering on the electrostatic generator. The electrostatic generator provides a positive charge to an electrode in the solution tank and a negative charge to a grounding strip in the handle of the spray wand providing a negative pathway through Earth to the objects being treated enhancing the electrical attraction of the treatment solution to those items. A grounding strap is also provided to be worn by the user to reduce the resistance in the path between the grounding strip and Earth by bypassing some of the user's clothing and protective gear that may provide resistance to the path.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Design patent application 29/748,759 entitled “Electrostatic Sprayer” and filed Sep. 1, 2020; U.S. Design patent application 29/750,237 entitled “Electrostatic Sprayer” and filed Sep. 11, 2020; and U.S. Design patent application 29/750,258 entitled “Electrostatic Sprayer” and filed Sep. 11, 2020, which are herby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrostatic sprayer for both indoor and outdoor applications for applying disinfectants, agricultural products, pesticides, and other chemical and liquid products when the electrostatic feature is selectively enabled or disabled in order to disable the electrostatic charging of a treatment solution when spraying electrical charge sensitive objects.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Foggers and misters are typically used to create a dry fog or wet mist and have been used to apply fluids to a variety of objects and surfaces, including for disinfecting the air and surrounding surfaces, as well as applying agricultural fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides. Electrostatic sprayers with an electrostatic charging system enhance the functionality of foggers and misters by including an electrode that induces an electrical charge to the solution, making it actively attracted to surfaces with a naturally negative charge allowing the solution to more fully encapsulate objects for complete coverage.

While foggers and misters are common they typically provide spotty coverage and can be significantly affected by ventilation and air circulation around the space and objects being treated. Additionally, the fog or mist may also stay airborne for a prolonged period of time making the treated area a potential health hazard where the fog or mist posses an inhalation danger for those in the treated area after treatment has taken place.

Electrostatic sprayers have improved on foggers and misters by providing an electrostatic positive charge to the solution wherein the sprayed solution is electrically attracted to the surrounding surfaces, which has a naturally occurring negative charge, allowing for a more consistent coverage. As the treatment is spread more evening it allows the fluid to dry more quickly.

While electrostatic sprayers are becoming more common, there are instances where objects being treated are electrically sensitive and should not be sprayed with an electrically charged treatment solution, for example, areas where flammable fuels or other liquids are located or where there are electronic devices that are sensitive to static buildup. Accordingly, it may be necessary to carry a mister and an electrostatic sprayer to be able to treat a particular location necessitating the need to carry treatment solution for both devices, as well.

The need to transfer treatment solution to the solution tank of an electrostatic sprayer also creates the likelihood that dust, dirt, or other particles will be transferred into the solution tank. Such items may interfere with a solution pump or create buildup within the delivery hoses, wands, or nozzles of the electrostatic sprayer.

Electrostatic sprayers typically use a power source that is designed for the particular sprayer with no ability to change the physically size of the power source even if the electrical specifications of the differently sized power supply could work for the device.

Electrostatic sprayers also tend to leak once the solution pump has been turned off as the nozzles continue to allow fluid to flow even when the fluid is not pressurized. When the fluid leaks from a nozzle it may create a siphoning reaction, which then continues to draw treatment solution from the solution tank draining the tank and possibly creating large spills of concentrated treatment solution.

Various attempts have been made to enhance the electrostatic charge difference between the treatment solution and the objects being treated. Several have attempted to use the user's body to create continuity to Earth but these efforts have been unable to deal with the wide variety of charge carrying capabilities of the human body and the wide range of clothing and protective gear used. Accordingly, both the user's body and the clothing, including gloves and shoes, can limit the ability to transfer the charge through the user to Earth.

Furthermore, various components of electrostatic sprayers tend to corrode with the use of most treatment solutions requiring disposal or repair of the electrostatic sprayer on a regular basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an electrostatic sprayer that provides a more efficient electrostatic process by creating a solution with a positive electrostatic charge generated by an electrostatic generator, as well a direct negative connection generated by the electrostatic generator and the objects being treated. The negative connection path is created by connecting the negative output of the electrostatic generator to a grounding strip within the spray wand handle of the electrostatic sprayer. A grounding strap is also applied to the user's footwear with a heal strap, securing straps, and a grounding lace that is then placed within the user's shoe or sock providing a more direct connection between the user' body and the Earth.

As the grounding strip is in contact with the user of the electrostatic sprayer and the electrostatic strap is in contact with the user and Earth, the negative connection is passed through the user and the ground where it enhances the negative charge of the objects being treated.

According to various embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer of the present invention includes a tank, a base, a spray wand, and backpack straps. The tank holds the treatment solution and has a fill opening for filling the tank with the treatment solution. According to an embodiment of the present invention a first tank filter is removeably disposed within the fill opening to ensure any debris in the treatment solution supply is filtered out before it enters the solution tank. The fill opening is then capped with a lid to block any spillage of the treatment solution.

The tank also has an exit port for supplying the treatment solution to a solution pump located within the base. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a second tank filter for filtration of smaller particles those blocked by the first filter is located within the tank at the exit port as an additional layer of protection against any debris that may have found its way into the tank; thus, protecting the inner workings of the solution pump.

The tank is connected to the base section, which contains the electronic components of the present invention, including a power supply, the solution pump, and the electrostatic generator. To electrostatically charge the solution, the electrostatic generator is electrically connected to a positive electrostatic electrode that is positioned within the tank. The electrode of the present invention also resists corrosion; thus limiting the need to replace the electrode on a regular basis.

Accordingly, the electrostatic generator provides a positive electrostatic charge to the solution inside the tank via the electrode. The electrostatic generator is also electrically connected to a grounding strip in the handle of the spray wand. The grounding strip is able to pass the negative charge through the user and when used with the grounding strap provides an increased negative charge to the items being treated; thus, providing direct connection between the electrostatic generator and the items being treated.

The pump is interconnected between the tank and the spray wand and pressurizes the solution for application. According to various embodiments of the present invention a variety of nozzles may interconnect with the spray wand.

The nozzles of the present invention further include a backflow valve to reduce the amount of treatment solution the exits the nozzles after the supply pump is turned off. When the treatment solution Is not pressurized the backflow valves in the nozzles close to stop further treatment solution from exiting the nozzle thus limiting leaking and the possibility of a siphoning action being created and creating a leak or emptying the tank when the electrostatic sprayer is not in use.

The electrostatic sprayer of the present invention also provides a customizable power supply bay to allow for a variety of power supply sizes to be used in the same device. Various moveable walls are included within the power supply bay that can be relocated to accommodate a variety of power supply sizes.

Accordingly, it is an object of the electrostatic sprayer according to the present invention to provide a more effective application of the treatment solution to surrounding surfaces by providing both a positive and negative charge for use in the electrostatic spraying process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic sprayer where the electrostatic generator may be turned off while the solution pump continues to pressurize treatment solution. allowing the electrostatic sprayer to continue to be used as a sprayer when an electrostatic charge could damage items in the treatment area.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic sprayer with grounding elements at the user's hand and foot to more efficiently pass a negative electrostatic charge through the user's body to the treated surfaces.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic sprayer with one or more filters within the tank to filter debris that may attempt to enter or has already entered the treatment tank.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic sprayer with nozzles with backflow valves to present discharge and leakage of the treatment solution when the solution pump is turned off.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a customizable power supply compartment to allow for the changing of power supply sizes and capacities.

It is yet a further embodiment of the present invention to provide an electrostatic sprayer that is wearable as a backpack to provide enhanced portability.

These and other features and advantages will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in more detail,FIG.1shows a perspective view of an electrostatic sprayer10in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the electrostatic sprayer10includes a solution tank100for holding treatment solution to be sprayed, a base200for housing various mechanical and electrical components, a supply hose300for delivering pressurized treatment solution, a spray wand400for spraying the pressurized treatment solution, and one or more spray nozzles600.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the solution tank100as shown inFIG.1includes a handle110for ease of transport and a tank lid120, which can be removed to fill the solution tank100with the treatment solution for spraying on the treated area. While in use, the tank lid120prevents spillage of the treatment solution by sealing the solution tank120.

According to various embodiments, solution tank100and base200may be constructed of a variety of materials, including plastics, composites, or metals. Additional materials for constructing the solution tank100and base200will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

As shown inFIG.1, according to one embodiment, the solution tank100is interconnected with base200. Solution tank100and base200may be interconnected with a variety of methods, including, but not limited to heat fusion, gluing, press fit, or screwing together. Other methods of interconnecting the solution tank100with the base200will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Further embodiments may also provide configurations wherein the solution tank100and base200are separate elements interconnected with an additional hose to transfer the treatment solution from the solution tank100to the base200.

FIG.1further provides a view of an access door210in base200, which is used for accessing a power supply compartment for removing and replacing a power supply for the electrostatic sprayer10. According to various embodiments of the present invention, access door210may be sized to allow a variety of different sized power supplies, which can allow for a lighter electrostatic sprayer when a smaller power supply is needed, or allow for a larger sized power supply when there is a need for expanded power capabilities.

The electrostatic sprayer10, as shown inFIG.1, further includes the supply hose300that is interconnected between a solution pump within the base200and the spray wand400. The supply hose300comprises an internal hose and an outer conduit for protecting the internal hose and provides pressurized solution from the solution pump to the spray wand400for spraying the application of the treatment solution through the spray nozzle600.

The flow of the pressurized treatment solution is controlled with the wand switch420located in the wand handle410. Electrical wiring from the wand handle410to the base200travels through the supply hose300between the internal hose and the outer conduit. When the wand switch420is turned on the solution pump drives treatment solution from the solution tank100through the supply hose300to the wand400and through spray nozzle600. When the wand switch420is turned off the solution pump stops pressurizing the treatment solution and once the pressure is reduced the nozzle600stops any remaining treatment solution from flowing.

FIGS.2aand2bprovide additional embodiments of the spray wand400wherein in the spray wand400ofFIG.2afurther includes a double nozzle configuration440and the spray wand400ofFIG.2bshows spray wand400with a quad-nozzle configuration450. Further embodiments of the present invention may include additional nozzle configurations an will be apparent to one skilled in the art of electrostatic sprayers.

FIG.3shows a further embodiment of the present invention.FIG.3provides electrostatic sprayer12with a tank101and a tank lid121that includes a handle. According to the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the tank lid121is centered on tank101allowing for the user to carry electrostatic sprayer12in a balanced fashion.

FIG.4shows yet a further embodiment of an electrostatic sprayer14with a longer and narrower solution tank102and a narrow base202. Electrostatic sprayer14also shows backpack straps130. While a variety of embodiments of the present invention have been shown, it is clear that many configurations may be constructed without diverting from the intent and function of the present invention. For simplicity, the further description of the present invention will use various views of electrostatic sprayer10.

FIG.5provides a reverse perspective view of electrostatic sprayer10. In this view, backpack straps130aand130bare shown. Each backpack strap130aand130bhave a first end132aand132band a second end134aand134b. The first ends132aand132bof each backpack strap130aand130bare centrally attached to the top of the solution tank100at tank backpack attachment point150. The second end134aand134bof each backpack strap130aand130bare attached to base backpack attachment points160aand160b. The backpack straps130aand130bare used for carrying the electrostatic sprayer10on the back of the user while in use or for transport or alternatively as carry handles.

Further embodiments may also include a hip strap or a chest strap for more securely attaching the electrostatic sprayer10to the user. A hip strap helps to balance the weight between the hips and shoulders of the user, while the chest strap keeps the backpack straps130aand130bfrom separating and falling off the shoulders of the user.

Charging port510and electrostatic power switch520are also visible inFIG.5and will be described in more detail with the electrical components.

FIG.6aprovides a right-side view of the electrostatic sprayer10and additional detail of the supply hose300exiting from the base200.FIG.6bprovides a left-side view of the electrostatic sprayer10and a further view of the charging port510and the electrostatic switch520.

FIG.7shows a front view of the electrostatic sprayer10according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.7provides a further view of the solution tank100, the handle110, the tank lid120, the backpack attachment point150, the base200, the access door210, the supply hose300, and spray wand400.FIG.7also provides a view of a voltage meter570and a removable base plate240. Voltage meter570displays the current power supply voltage providing the user with the current charge level of the electrostatic sprayer10. With the current charge level the user can discern if the electrostatic sprayer10is ready for use or if the power supply should be recharged.

FIG.8shows a bisected view of the electrostatic sprayer providing an internal view of the solution tank100and the base200.FIG.8provides a view of a filtration system within solution tank100. The filtration system includes a fill filter180located within the fill opening underneath the tank lid120and filters the treatment solution as it is poured into the solution tank100prior to use of the electrostatic sprayer10. The filtration system further includes a discharge filter182where the fluid is drawn out of the solution tank100and provides further filtration for smaller particulates that may have entered into solution tank100.

FIG.8also shows the electrical components of the electrostatic sprayer10, including the charging port510, the electrostatic power switch520, a battery530, an electrostatic generator540, a solution pump550, a tank electrode560, and the voltage meter570.

When the wand switch420is in the on position, the solution pump550pumps the treatment solution from the solution tank100through an exit port104in the solution tank into the solution pump550through an inlet port552. According to one embodiment of the present invention, inlet port552interconnects with the exit port104with flexible tubing. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that a variety of materials may be used for interconnected the inlet port552with the exit port104, including pvc piping, rubber or silicon tubing, or others.

Solution pump550pumps the treatment solution out an exit port554to the supply hose300. Exit port554is interconnected with the supply hose300. Supply hose300further comprises internal tubing302and external conduit304. A wire passage space306is created between internal tubing302and external conduit304and allows for electrical wires to be passed from the base200to the wand handle410for the wand switch420and a grounding plate430.

It is also noted that according to the embodiment shown inFIG.8that when the wand switch420Is in the on position the supply pump550is turned on, but the electrostatic generator540is not turned on. By separating the power supply switches the electrostatic sprayer10may be used without the electrostatic generator540in situations where an electrostatically charged treatment solution could damage items within the treatment area.

The power supply530shown inFIG.8is shown filling the power supply bay. However, in further embodiments of the present invention, moveable walls (not shown) may be inserted to create a smaller power supply bay for using smaller power supplies530. Power supplies of various sizes and weights, but having appropriate power specifications may be useful in various situations. The moveable walls allow for use of different power supply sizes yet ensure that the power supply530remains securely held within the power supply bay.

FIG.9provides a bottom view of the electrostatic sprayer10with a detailed view of the base plate240with the supply hose300for reference. According to this embodiment the base plate is removeably attached to the base200with screws through screw holes244. The base plate240further includes vent openings242to provide airflow through the base200for ventilating and cooling the components within the base200.

FIG.10shows a bottom view of the electrostatic sprayer10with the base plate240removed. With the base plate240removed,FIG.10provides a view of the components as they are situated inside the base200according to an embodiment of the present invention, including the charging port510, the power switch520, the battery530, the electrostatic generator540, solution pump550, tank electrode560, and voltage meter570.FIG.10further provides a view of the moveable walls250holding the power supply530securely within the power supply bay of the base200. The moveable walls250are located within base200by sliding the moveable walls250into slots within the base200and the base plate240.

FIG.11shows a wiring diagram for the electrical connections and component interactions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Beginning with the power supply530, which supplies power to all electrical components within the electrostatic sprayer10. The power supply530provides a positive terminal532and a negative terminal534. The positive terminal532is connected directly to positive terminals of the charging port510, the electrostatic generator540, the fluid pump550, and the voltage meter570.

The negative terminal534connects to the negative terminal of the charging port510providing a negative electrical connection for a battery charger as well as a pass-through negative connection that electrically connects the negative terminal534to the master wand switch420. The master wand switch420provides an on and off position wherein the master wand switch420provides electrical continuity of the negative connection when the master wand switch420is in the on position. When the master wand switch420is in the off position, the master wand switch420shorts the electrical continuity of the negative connection. In the on position the master wand switch420negative continuity is provided to the solution pump550, the volt meter570, and to an electrostatic on/off switch520. In turn, the electrostatic on/off switch520further provides electrical continuity when it is in the on position and shorts continuity when in the off position.

As shown inFIG.11, the electrostatic generator540further includes a low voltage side542with a positive and negative terminal and a high voltage side544with a positive and negative terminal. When the electrostatic on/off switch520and the master wand switch420are both in the on position there is negative continuity between the negative terminal534and the negative terminal on the low voltage side542of the electrostatic generator540; thus completing the circuit and powering the electrostatic generator540.

The positive terminal532is connected directly to the positive terminal of the low voltage side542of the electrostatic generator540. Accordingly, when there is negative continuity from the negative terminal534and the negative terminal on the low voltage side542of the electrostatic generator540the electrostatic generator540is powered on.

The electrostatic on/off switch520allows a user to turn the electrostatic generator540on or off while the solution pump550will run with or without an electrostatic charge being generated in the treatment solution. Such a configuration allows a user to turn off the electrostatic generator when treating areas or items with sensitivity to an electrostatic charge, such as micro-electronic components or areas with flammable vapors, for example.

As further shown inFIG.11, when the electrostatic generator540is powered on it supplies a positive charge through the positive terminal on the high voltage side544to the tank electrode560; thus providing a positive charge to the treatment solution inside the solution tank100. When powered on the negative terminal on the high voltage side544provides a negative charge to the grounding strip430in the wand handle410. According to further embodiments, tank electrode560is preferably made of brass to limit or reduce corrosion from regular immersion in the treatment solution.

In a further embodiment, an electrostatic light590is interconnected with the battery positive terminal532and the electrostatic on/off switch520. When the circuit is completed and the electrostatic generator540is powered on, the electrostatic light590is also powered on providing a visual indicator that the electrostatic generator540is powered on.

While a user is in contact with the grounding strip430in the spray wand400the present invention provides a grounding path between the electrostatic generator540and earth via the user. Grounding the electrostatic generator540with earth provides an enhanced electrical attraction between the treatment solution and the objects being sprayed; thus, generating a more efficient coverage of the sprayed items.

FIG.12shows a detailed view of the spray wand handle410. Spray wand handle410further comprises a handle grounding slot416, one or more attachment openings412, and a grounding attachment opening414. Grounding strip430, as shown, further comprises grounding strip attachment openings432and grounding opening434.

In use, grounding strip430is inserted into the handle grounding slot416wherein the attachment openings412of the spray wand handle410line up with the grounding strip attachment openings432. The grounding strip430is then held in place with screws fastened through the attachment openings412and the grounding strip attachment openings432. Similarly, grounding attachment opening414and grounding opening434line up to allow a screw to pass through and attach the negative wire attached to the high negative contact on the high voltage end of the electrostatic generator540.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that there are a variety of ways to attach the grounding strip430to the spray wand handle410, including but not limited to a simple compression fit, using rivets, compression posts, or any combination thereof, in place of the screws. Similarly, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the grounding opening434may attach to the negative wire with solder, a rivet, or other connecting device.

Turning toFIG.13, a grounding strap700is shown for use with various embodiments of electrostatic sprayer10. As previously discussed, the grounding strip430in the spray wand handle410provides a grounding path from the electrostatic generator540through the user to Earth for enhancing the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged treatment solution and the surface being treated.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the grounding strap700may be used to further enhance the grounding path from the user to Earth. The grounding strap700provides a lower resistance path between the grounding strip430and Earth by bypassing some of the user's clothing and protective gear that may insulate the path between the grounding strip700and Earth. Grounding strap700includes a foot strap710for attaching to the sole of the user's shoe. To secure the foot strap710to the user's shoe a first strap720and a second strap730removeably interconnect and allow the user to adjust the firmness of the foot strap710. An elastic strap740is also connected between the second strap730and the foot strap710to provide some flexibility in the connection around the user's foot.

As shown inFIG.13, grounding strap700further includes a grounding lace750. A first end of the grounding lace750is connected to the foot strap710. The second end of the grounding lace750may be placed in the user's shoe or sock. Accordingly, the grounding path through the user is effectively enhanced by bringing the grounding path to Earth on the outside of the user's shoe, which limits any insulating effect a user's footwear may provide.

FIG.14shows a bisected view of a spray nozzle600according to an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed previously, various embodiments of the present inventions may include one or more spray nozzles600. Each spray nozzle600is attached to a nozzle base610extending from the spray wand400. The internal components of the spray nozzle600are held in place with a nozzle cap620removeably connected with the nozzle base. As shown inFIG.14, the nozzle base610further includes external threading and the nozzle cap620further includes internal threading allowing the cap to be securely connected by screwing the two together.

When connected, the nozzle base610and the nozzle cap620house a backflow valve630, a washer650, a first metering disk660, and a second metering disk670stacked together as shown to meter the flow of treatment solution and stopping leaking and backflow of treatment solution when the electrostatic sprayer10is turned off.

In use, the treatment solution is pressurized and fed to the spray wand400. At each valve the pressurized solution flows through the backflow valve630, through the washer650and into the first metering disk660. The first metering disk includes one or more metering openings662for allowing pressurized treatment fluid to pass through. The first metering disk660further includes a groove664concentrically located on the top face of the first metering disk660. The groove664of the first metering disk660interconnects with a protruding ring672concentrically located on the bottom face of the second metering disk.670.

The interconnection of the groove664and the ring672ensures proper alignment of the first metering disk660and the second metering disk670further providing alignment of the metering openings662with an atomization opening674centrally located in the second metering disk670. By changing size of the metering openings662and atomization opening674the size of the atomized droplets of treatment solution may be adjusted for differing applications. In a preferred embodiment, the first metering disk660and the second metering disk670atomize the treatment solution to droplets of approximately 40 microns.

FIGS.15aand15bprovide detailed views of the first metering disk660and second metering disk670.FIG.15aspecifically shows a perspective view of the top sides of the first and second metering disks660and670. The first metering disk660as shown inFIG.15ashows the groove664and the one or more metering openings. The second metering disk670shows the atomization opening674centrally located on the top of the second metering disk670and the ring672.

FIG.15bshows a perspective view of the bottom sides of the first and second metering disks660and670. The one or more metering openings662an be seen on the bottom of the first metering disk660. The atomizing opening674and ring672are also seen on the bottom side of the second metering disk670.

In use the pressurized solution passes through the metering openings662of the first metering disk669and into the atomization opening674of the second metering disk670. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the size of the openings and the shapes of the matching faces can be modified to provide different flow rates to match the specified use a specific electrostatic sprayer according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.16provides a bisected view of the backflow valve630within the nozzle base610. According to the embodiment shown inFIG.16, the backflow valve630further comprises a brass ferrule632with an external ferrule shoulder634formed at the bottom end of the ferrule632for fitting within the nozzle base610. The ferrule632further includes a central opening636passing from the top end to the bottom end of the ferrule632. The central opening636forms an internal shoulder638at the top end of the ferrule632. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ferrule632is made of brass. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the ferrule632may be made of a variety of materials, including other metals, plastics, or composites.

As further shown inFIG.16a valve body640is disposed within the central opening636. The valve body640further includes an o-ring groove642near the base of the valve body640. A valve body o-ring644fits within the o-ring groove642to provide a seal between the valve body640and the ferrule632. A valve plunger646is placed within the valve body640and a valve spring648keeps the valve plunger646moveably closed when there is no pressurized solution coming through the nozzle base610pushing against the plunger646.

When the wand switch420is placed in the on position the solution pump550is turned on and the treatment solution is drawn from the tank100and pumped to the supply hose300and the spray wand400, wherein the valve plunger646is pushed open allowing the treatment solution to flow through the spray nozzle600and is metered by the first and second metering disks660and670. When pressurization of the solution treatment is stopped the valve plunger646is pushed closed by the valve spring648. When the valve plunger646is in the closed position the treatment solution will not be able to leak out of the spray nozzle600, well as prevent a siphon from being created by the flow of treatment solution out of a nozzle.

In summary, the electrostatic sprayer as disclosed above provides examples that are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Thus it is contemplated that the electrostatic sprayer may be constructed for many different applications and alterations may be made wherein an electrostatic sprayer may include many of the above-mentioned advantages. Further additions or alterations may be made to the sprayer and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that a number of variations, including those described, may be made to the materials, electronics and other elements, and the processes for making the electrostatic sprayer, all without departing from the scope of the invention, which is described above and defined by the appended claims.