Abstract:
A device places a charge on an object passing by and proximate to the device in a first direction along a transport axis. The device includes a body having a surface. A power input is disposed in the body. A plurality of resistors each have a longitudinal resistor axis and each are capable of receiving power from the power input. Each of the plurality of resistors is disposed in the body with the longitudinal resistor axis being generally parallel to the surface. An ionizing pin is electrically connected to each of the plurality of resistors for receiving power to generate ions. The object is charged by passing the object by and proximate to the surface of the body in the first direction to receive ions generated by the plurality of ionizing pins. The device provides a relatively long object dwell time, thereby increasing the amount of time that the area of the object is exposed to an ion stream from the device. The device also has a low profile, heightwise, and thus may be easily retrofitted into conventional conveyors.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to devices for charging objects during transport and, more specifically, to a device for placing a charge on an object and a method of retrofitting a conveyor for the device. 
     In many manufacturing, processing and packaging systems, it is desirable to place a charge on an object (often referred to as “pinning” an object) to aid in the proper stacking or alignment of various objects. For example, when stacking catalogs at the end of a conveyer, it is difficult to arrange for each of the catalogs to maintain its position so that the catalogs are positioned in a tight, vertically registered stack. The proper alignment of the catalogs is easier to maintain when a charge is placed on each of the catalogs. The tendency of charged catalogs to “stick” together facilitates transporting a stack of catalogs to another location for strapping and/or shrink-wrapping without catalogs slipping from the stack or becoming otherwise misaligned. Maintaining the catalogs in a properly aligned stack prevents damage to misaligned catalogs during the shrink-wrapping or strapping process. 
     Another situation in which it is useful to place a charge on objects is when card inserts are being dropped onto a card or sheet being transported along a conveyor. The use of static charge on either the card insert or the sheet aids in the proper positioning of the insert on the sheet. By placing a charge on the insert prior to dropping the insert onto the sheet, the insert is prevented from overshooting the desired placement location on the sheet and is less likely to be dislodged during further processing. 
     It can also be useful to place a charge on ribbons that are to be tacked together. When two ribbons are being processed so as to overlay each other, it is common for air to become trapped between the ribbons. By placing a static charge on the ribbons, air that is disposed between the ribbons can be displaced which helps prevent “dog ears” and creases in the tacked ribbons. In a similar fashion, placing a charge on a web can be used to firmly position the web on a roller and to reduce slippage between the web and the roller. 
     When trying to stack multiple sheets of paper prior to shrink wrapping, it is useful to place a static charge on the stack of sheets to bond the sheets of paper together and to keep them in a tight stack during the shrink wrapping process. Similarly, when interleaving a film between various layers of material, such as glass, paper or wood, it is useful to place a charge on the interleaved material to prevent slippage of various layers during the stacking process. 
     Static charges are also useful when manufacturing objects using in-mold decorating. Static charges can be used to pin a decorative decal tightly against the inner surface of a mold used in an injection molding process. This use of static charge greatly improves the finished product quality by preventing the decal from slipping or changing position in the mold. 
     While there are many processes that use static charge during the manufacturing packaging or processing of objects, conventional ionizing devices have many drawbacks. Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional ionizer  10 ′ is shown. Referring to FIG. 8, the ionizer  10 ′ has numerous pins  11  linearly aligned along an upper surface which project ions toward an object passing over the ionizer  10 ′. The ionizer  10 ′ is relatively tall as measured parallel to the pins  11  due to the orientation of resistors  13  in the device  10 ′. The relatively large height of the conventional ionizer  10 ′ increases the difficulty and expense of retrofitting a conveyor to include the ionizer  10 ′. 
     Another drawback of the conventional ionizer  10 ′ is that by using only a single row of pins  11 , the dwell time of an object in the ionized area over the ionizer  10 ′ is short which prevents the placing of an adequate charge on objects having a UV coating, such as catalogs or the like. Dwell time is generally the amount of time each area of the object is exposed to ions emitted from the device  10 ′. 
     Another problem with the conventional ionizer  10 ′ is that the ion field created by the ionizer  10 ′ is not even. Each pin  11  emits ions in a generally conical fashion with the area closest to the center of the cone receiving a greater amount of ions. Thus, the resulting ion field from a conventional ionizer tends to have interspersed high and low ion concentrations as one moves along a direction parallel to the row of pins  11 . 
     Referring to FIG. 8, the height of the conventional ionizer  10 ′ often makes it necessary to reroute the path of the conveyor belt  12  using additional rollers  70 ′ to accommodate the proper placement of the ionizer  10 ′. This increases the downtime of the conveyor during retrofitting and, correspondingly, increases the cost of installing the ionizer  10 ′. 
     What is needed, but so far not provided by the conventional art, is a device that is capable of placing a charge on an object passing by and proximate to the device, that provides an increased dwell time for objects passing by the device, that has a more evenly distributed ion field, that has a reduced height, and that is easier to retrofit into an existing conveyor. The present invention fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a device for placing a charge on an object passing by and proximate to the device in a first direction along a transport axis. The device includes a body having a surface. A first plurality of rows of ionizing pins is disposed in the body for emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface of the body. Each of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins has a first row axis that is aligned generally parallel to the transport axis. The first plurality of rows of ionizing pins is positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. A second plurality of rows of ionizing pins is disposed in the body for emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface of the body. Each of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins has a second row axis that is aligned generally parallel to the transport axis. The second plurality of rows of ionizing pins is positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. The first plurality of rows of ionizing pins and the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins are disposed so that at least a portion of the object moving in the first direction by and proximate to the surface of the body passes by and proximate to at least one of the plurality of rows of ionizing pins before passing by and proximate to at least one of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins. The second plurality of rows of ionizing pins are laterally offset with respect to the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins so that the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins is generally aligned with positions between pairs of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins. The object is charged by passing the object by and proximate to the surface of the body in the first direction to receive ions generated from both the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins and the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins. 
     The present invention is alternatively directed to a device for placing a charge on an object passing by and proximate to the device in a first direction along a transport axis. The device includes a body having a surface. A power input is disposed in the body. A plurality of resistors each has a longitudinal resistor axis and is capable of receiving power from the power input. Each of the plurality of resistors is disposed in the body with the longitudinal resistor axis being generally parallel to the surface. The plurality of ionizing pins is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of resistors for receiving power to generate ions. The object is charged by passing the object by and proximate to the surface of the body in the first direction to receive ions generated by the plurality of ionizing pins. 
     The present invention is alternatively directed to a method of retrofitting a belt conveyor with a device to allow a charge to be placed on an object being transported in a first direction along a transport axis on the belt conveyor. The belt conveyor has a portion moving in the first direction for supporting and transporting the object. The device has a surface and is capable of emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface. The device includes a plurality of resistors each having a longitudinal resistor axis oriented generally parallel to the surface resulting in the device having reduced height as measured perpendicularly to the surface. The method includes positioning a device proximate to the belt conveyor, orienting the device so that the surface faces the portion of the belt conveyor moving in the first direction to allow the device to place the charge on the object being transported by the belt conveyor, and securing the device in position. The reduced height of the device simplifies the retrofitting of the belt conveyor to include the device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art ionizer; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a device for placing a charge on an object according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 2 without a cover and without potting material; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4 as taken along the line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a broken away right side elevational view of the device of FIG. 4 as viewed along the line  6 — 6  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial top plan view of the device of FIG. 6 as viewed along the line  7 — 7  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a conveyor retrofitted to include the prior art ionizer of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a conveyor retrofitted to include the device of the present invention (i.e., the device of FIG.  2 ). 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Additionally, the word “a,” as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, means “at least one.” “By and proximate to” is used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification to describe the passing of an object through the ionized area proximate to the device. “By and proximate to” is used instead of terms that imply a specific orientation, such as “over” or “under” because depending on the specific structure with which the device is used (and depending on the orientation of the ion emitting surface of the device), the object may pass over the device, pass under the device, or pass along a lateral side of the device. “By and proximate to” accurately describes the passing of the object through the ionized area proximate to the surface of the device regardless of the specific orientation of the device relative to the object. The above mentioned terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrate a prior art ionizer device, generally designated as  10 ′. FIGS. 2-7 and  9  illustrate a device  10  for placing a charge on an object  12  passing over the device  10  according to the present invention, generally designated as  10 . 
     The device  10  is for placing a charge on an object  12  (shown in FIG. 9) passing by and proximate to the device  10  in a first direction  30  along a transport axis  26  and includes a body  14  having a surface  16 . Referring to FIG. 4, a power input  32  is preferably disposed in the body  14  for receiving power from a power source (not shown). A plurality of resistors  34  each preferably have a longitudinal resistor axis  36  and each is capable of receiving power from the power input  32 . Each of the plurality of resistors  34  is preferably disposed in the body  14  with the longitudinal resistor axis  36  being generally parallel to the surface  16 . A plurality of ionizing pins  38  having tips  38 ′ is electrically connected to a least one of the plurality of resistors  34  and is capable of receiving power to generate ions. The object  12  is charged by passing the object  12  by and proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14  in the first direction  30  to receive ions generated by the plurality of ionizing pins  38  (i.e., to preferably receive ions generated by both a first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A and a second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B). 
     Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the device  10  illustrates the device  10  with a removed cover  40  and without potting material  42  disposed in the cavity  44  of the body  14 . Any conventional potting material may be used. Accordingly, further details regarding the selection or application of potting material are not necessary or included. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface  16  has a generally rectangular shape. However, the surface  16  of the present invention may be circular, hexagonal, or irregularly shaped when viewed in a top plan view. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover  40  preferably has slots  56  through which the ionizing pins  38  emit ions. Fastener holes  48  are preferably positioned in the cover  40  and in the body  14  to allow fasteners  50  to secure the cover to the body  14 . 
     The body  14  is preferably formed of a sturdy, nonconductive, durable material, such as heavy-duty polymers or the like. Referring to FIG. 5, the body  14  has a surface  16  which is preferably, but not necessarily, generally flat to allow an even distancing between each of the ionizing pins  38  and the object  12  passing by and proximate to the device  10 . However, the body  14 , and the corresponding surface  16 , may also be curved. The use of a curved device  10  facilitates installing the device  10  at a bend in a conveyor  28 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A is disposed in the body  14  for emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14 . Referring to FIG. 2, the tips  38 ′ of the ionizing pins  38  can protrude past the outer surface  52  of the cover  40  or can be disposed within the cavity  44  so that the tips  38 ′ of the ionizing pins  38  are positioned below the surface  16  of the body  14  while still emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 3, there are preferably, but not necessarily, eleven rows of pins  18  in the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A. However, the number of rows of pins  18  can be varied. For example, two or more rows of ionizing pins can be used as the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A. Each row of pins  18  in the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A preferably has four ionizing pins  38 . However, the number of pins  38  in each row of pins  18  can be varied. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in the preferred embodiment of the device  10 , the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A faces generally outwardly from locations within the body  14 . It is preferable, but not necessary, that each of the pins  38  in the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A extends generally perpendicularly to the surface  16 . The first plurality of rows of ionizing pins can be oriented within about thirty (30°) degrees askew from perpendicular to the closest portion of the surface  16  while still facing generally outwardly from locations from within the body  14 . As detailed above, the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A preferably, but not necessarily, comprises  44  ionizing pins grouped in eleven (11) rows. 
     Each of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A has a first row axis  22  that is preferably aligned generally parallel to the transport axis  26  (shown in FIG.  4 ). The first row axis  22  of each of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A can be askew from the transport axis  26  by up to about thirty (30°) degrees while still being aligned generally parallel to the transport axis. However, it is preferable, but not necessary, that the first row axes  22  of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A be askew by less than ten (10°) degrees from the transport axis  26 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A are positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. While it is preferable that the interval between each of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A be generally the same, the interval between each of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A can vary throughout the device  10 . Some of the resistors  34  can be adjacently positioned next to each other while the plurality of resistors  34  still maintains a generally spaced apart side by side layout. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the device  10 , the ionizing pins are rated to withstand thirty (30 kV) kilovolts for three seconds without damage. The ionizing pins are also preferably removable to simplify replacement of damaged pins  38 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B is disposed in the body  14  for emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14 . As detailed above in connection with the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A, the tips  38 ′ of the individual pins  38  of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B can be positioned in various locations relative to (and at various distances from) the surface  16  or the cover  40  while still being proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14 . 
     The second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B faces generally outwardly from locations within the body  14 . While it is preferable that the pins  38  of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B extend generally perpendicularly toward the surface  16 , the pins  38  can be askew from perpendicular by up to about thirty (30°) degrees while still facing generally outwardly from the body  14 . 
     It is preferable, but not necessary, that the number of rows of pins  18  in the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B and that the number of pins  38  in each row  18  be the same as that of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B includes forty-four (44) ionizing pins  38  grouped in eleven (11) rows. The number of rows of pins  18  and the number of pins  38  in each row  18  in the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B can be varied. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  4  and  5 , each of the pins  38  in a single row  18  is preferably mounted on a conductive strip  54  which electrically connects each of the pins  38  to the power input  32 . As best shown in FIG. 5, each conductive strip  54  is positioned over a pin mounting block  56  and is electrically connected to an end of a resistor  34 . While it is preferable that a conductive strip  54  be used to electrically connect each of the pins  38  in a row of pins  18 , various methods can be used to attach the individual pins  38  in each row of pins  18 . 
     It is preferable, but not necessary, that the resistors  34  have a resistance between 80-125 megaOhms (MΩ). It is more preferable still that the resistors have a magnitude of 80 MΩ. In the preferred embodiment of the device, the resistors  34  are selected which maintain current levels below 375 μA when a 30 kV potential is supplied to the power input  32 . 
     The resistance provided by the resistors  34  enables high voltage to be used to generate ionization while limiting the amount of current flow through the device  10  to safe levels. At voltage levels above 4 kV, corona onset occurs and the air above the pins  38  is ionized. The polarity of the power supplied to the power input  32  determines whether the ions generated by the pins  38  are negative or positive. The magnitude of the current flowing through the device depends on the magnitude of the resistors  34  used with each row of pins  18 . It is preferable, but not necessary, that the power source (not shown) supply voltage having a magnitude of less than or equal to 30 kV. The power input  32  and the power source can be combined in the body of the device  10 , if desired. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, a hole  58  is positioned in the body  14  to allow a connector to be inserted into the power input  32  to transfer power from the power supply to the device  10 . The power input  32  is preferably attached to a pair of wires  60  that transfer electrical power to one end  62  of the resistors  34 . Each resistor is electrically connected at another end  64  to a tab  66  of the conductive strip  54 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the device  10  preferably includes the power input  32 . The device  10  also includes a plurality of resistors  34  that are each disposed in the body for transferring power from the power input  32  to the first and second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A,  20 B. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the plurality of resistors has a longitudinal resistor axis  36  preferably oriented generally parallel to the surface  16  of the body  14 . The resistors  34  can be oriented so that the longitudinal resistor axes  36  are askew from parallel to the surface  16  by up to about thirty (30°) degrees while still being oriented generally parallel to the surface  16  of the body. It is preferred, but not necessary, that at least one resistor  34  is provided for each of the plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A and that at least one resistor  34  is provided for each of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B. 
     It is preferable that each of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B has a second row axis  24  that is aligned generally parallel to the transport axis  26 . The second row axis  24  of each of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B can be askew from the transport axis  26  by up to about thirty (30°) degrees while still being generally parallel to the transport axis  26 . However, it is preferable, but not necessary, that the second row axis  24  of each of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins be askew from the transport axis  26  by no more than ten (10°) degrees. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are preferably positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. Some of the resistors  34  can be disposed adjacently next to each other while the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are still positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. By staggering the pins  38  in the fashion shown in FIG. 4, the dwell time of an object  12  passing by and proximate to the surface  16  of the device  10  is increased. This allows the device  10  to more effectively place a charge on difficult to charge objects  12 , such as catalogs, telephone books or the like. 
     The second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are preferably positioned in a generally spaced apart side by side fashion. The first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A and the second plurality of row of ionizing pins  20 B are preferably disposed so that at least a portion of the object  12  moving in the first direction  30  by and proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14  passes by and proximate to at least one (1) of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A before passing by and proximate to at least one of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B. Referring to FIG. 4, it is preferable, but not necessary, that the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A and the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are spaced apart by a predetermined distance (denoted “X” in FIG. 4) as measured in a direction parallel to the transport axis  26 . Alternatively, it is preferable but not necessary, that the first and second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A,  20 B are disposed in the body  14  so that at least a portion of an object  12  moving by and proximate to the surface  16  of the body  14  in the first direction  30  passes by and proximate to at least one of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A before beginning to pass by and proximate to one of the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is preferable, but not necessary, that the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are laterally offset with respect to the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A so that the second plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 B are generally aligned with positions between pairs of the first plurality of rows of ionizing pins  20 A. The staggering of the first and second rows of ionizing pins  20 A,  20 B relative to each other tends to even out the application of ions onto the object  12 . Each of the pins  38  tends to emit ions in a conical fashion with the most ions being emitted toward the center of the cone. Thus, by offsetting the first and second rows of ionizing pins  20 A,  20 B, the resulting charge placed on the object is more evenly distributed over the entire treated surface of the object. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, the present invention is alternatively directed to a method of retrofitting a belt conveyor  28  with a device  10  to allow a charge to be placed on an object  12  being transported in a first direction  30  along a transport axis  26  on the belt conveyor  28 . The belt conveyor  28  preferably has a portion moving in the first direction  30  for supporting and transporting the object  12 . Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each conveyor  28  preferably has a plurality of rollers  70  that support a belt  72 . As shown in FIG. 8, when installing a conventional ionizer  10 ′ onto belt conveyors  28 ′, it is often necessary to reroute the path of the belt  72  using additional rollers  70 ′ to provide the necessary space between opposing portions of the belt  72  to insert the conventional ionizer  10 ′. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, while the preferred embodiment of the conveyor  28  is an endless belt conveyor, the device  10  can alternatively be used with a pallet transport system, an O-ring conveyor, a drag type conveyor, a sheet conveyor, a pneumatic conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or with another transport or conveyor systems. 
     The device  10  has a surface  16  and is capable of emitting ions from locations proximate to the surface. The device  10  preferably includes a plurality of resistors  34  each having a longitudinal resistor axis  36  orientated generally parallel to the surface  16  which results in the device  10  having a reduced height (denoted “H” in FIGS. 2 and 5) as measured perpendicularly to the surface  16 . The resistor axis  36  can be askew from parallel with the surface  16  of the device  10  by up to about thirty (30°) degrees while still being generally parallel to the surface  16 . 
     The method of the present invention includes positioning the device  10  proximate to the belt conveyor  28 . Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, mounting holes  68  are preferably positioned in a side of the device  10  opposite from the surface  16 . Each mounting hole  68  is generally elliptically shaped and has a lip  74  disposed about roughly half of the opening  76  of the hole  68  to create a thinner portion  78 . Referring to FIG. 6, the lip  74  allows a fastener head to be inserted through a larger portion  80  of the hole  68 , slid underneath the lip  74  and abuttingly secured against the lip  74 . It is preferable that an insulator be positioned between the device  10  and the structure to which the device  10  is mounted when securing the device  10 . 
     The method of the present invention includes orienting the device  10  so that the surface  16  faces the portion of the belt conveyor  28  moving in the first direction  30  to allow the device  10  to place the charge on the object  12  being transported by the belt conveyor  28 . By orienting the surface  16  toward the expected path of the object  12 , the pins  38  are properly aligned to place a charge on the object  12 . The method of the present invention further includes securing the device in position whereby the reduced height “H” of the device simplifies the retrofitting of the belt conveyor  28  to include the device  10 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2-7 and  9 , in operation, the device  10  of the present invention is preferably disposed proximate to the transport path of an object  12 . A power supply is connected to a device  10  via the power input  32 . Power is transferred from the power input  32  to wires  60  which are electrically connected to resistors  34  in the device  10 . The resistors  34  transfer the power to rows of pins  18  while maintaining lower current levels to prevent the arcing of electricity. The voltage supplied to the pins causes corona onset to occur and air above the surface  16  is ionized. As the object  12  passes through the ionized air, a charge is placed on the object  12 . While FIG. 9 shows one device  10  installed on either side of the transportation axis  26 , a single device  10  can be used opposite from a device maintained at ground potential to place a charge on an object  12 . 
     The device  10  of the present invention uses a resistor  34  orientation which results in a greatly reduced device height “H” which simplifies the retrofitting of a preexisting structure to include the device  10 . Additionally, the layout of the pins  38  results in an increased dwell time for passing objects  12  which enhances the ability of the device  10  to place a charge on the object  12 . This increased dwell time results in effectively placing charges on objects  12  that heretofore were difficult, if not impossible, to charge, such as thick UV coated catalogs or the like. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.