Abstract:
A personal electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner apparatus includes a portable housing defining an inlet vent and an outlet vent, and an air channel therebetween. An elector-kinetic system generates an air flow through the air channel. A germicidal ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the housing such that UV radiation emitted from the lamp radiates at least a portion of the air channel.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/774,198, filed Jan. 29, 2001, entitled ELECTRO-KINETIC DEVICE WITH ENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISM CAPABILITY, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to devices that can condition the air in a room, including so-called electro-kinetic devices that output ionized air, typically accompanied by ozone (O 3 ), and more specifically to providing such devices with enhanced ability to kill microorganisms, including germs, bacteria, and viruses in the room environment.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,098 to Taylor et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee describe various devices to generate a stream of ionized air using so-called electro-kinetic techniques. In some applications, the electro-kinetic devices maybe small enough to be handheld, and in other applications electro-kinetic devices maybe large enough to condition the air in a room. In overview, electro-kinetic techniques use high electric fields to ionize air molecules, a process that produces ozone (O 3 ) as a byproduct. Ozone is an unstable molecule of oxygen that is commonly produced as a byproduct of high voltage arcing. In safe concentrations, ozone can be a desirable and useful substance. But ozone by itself may not be effective to kill microorganisms such as germs, bacteria, and viruses in the environment surrounding the device.  
           [0004]    [0004]FIG. 1 depicts a generic electro-kinetic device  10  to generate ozone. Device  10  includes a housing  20  that typically has at least one air input port  30  and at least one air output port  40 . Within housing  20  there is disposed an electrode assembly or system  50  comprising a first electrode array  60  having at least one electrode  70  and comprising a second electrode array  80  between the first and second electrode arrays. Electrodes  70  and electrodes  90  may have a variety of shapes. For example, electrodes  70  maybe thin electrical wires, and electrodes  90  may be larger wires, rods, or other shapes. Electrodes  70  may be pointed or pin-like, and electrodes  90  may be curvilinear, including ring shaped, or may comprise a conductive plate with curved or ring-like openings formed in the plate. Electrodes  90  typically are symmetrically disposed relative to electrodes  70 . For example, if there are three electrodes  70  in first electrode array  60 , there might be two electrodes  90  in second electrode array  80 , wherein electrodes  90  are staggered to be equidistant from the nearest electrodes  70 . In the pin and ring type configurations, electrodes  90  are preferably concentric with electrodes  70 .  
           [0005]    In the various configurations, all of the electrodes are electrically conductive material, metal for example Electrodes  90  preferably have a larger radius than electrodes  70 , with the result that a large electric field is created at or adjacent electrodes  90  upon application of high voltage (typically several kV) from generator  100 . As a result. ozone and ionized particles of air are generated within device  10 , and there is an electro-kinetic flow of air in the direction from the first electrode array  60  towards the second electrode array  80 . In FIG. 1, the large arrow denoted IN represents ambient air that can enter input port  30 . The small “x&#39;s” denote particulate matter that may be present in the incoming ambient air. The air movement is in the direction of the large arrows, and the output airflow, denoted OUT, exits device  10  via port  40 . An advantage of electro-kinetic devices such as device  10  is that an air flow is created without using fans or other moving parts to create the air flow.  
           [0006]    Preferably particulate matter x in the ambient air can be electrostatically attracted to the second electrode array  80 , with the result that the outflow (OUT) of air from device  10  not only contains ozone and ionized air, but can be cleaner than the ambient air. In such devices, it can become necessary to occasionally clean the second electrode array electrodes  80  to remove particulate matter and other debris from the surface of electrodes  90 . Thus, device  10  in FIG. 1 can function somewhat as a fan to create an output air flow, but without requiring moving parts. Ideally the outflow of air (OUT) is conditioned in that particulate matter is removed and the outflow includes safe amounts of ozone, and some ions.  
           [0007]    But an outflow of air containing ions and ozone may not destroy or reduce microorganisms such as germs, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and the like, collectively hereinafter “microorganisms”. It is known in the art to try to destroy such microorganisms with so-called germicidal lamps. Such lamps emit ultra violet radiation having a wavelength of about 254 nm. For example, devices to condition air using mechanical fans, HEPA filters, and germicidal lamps are sold commercially by companies such as Austin Air, C.A.R.E. 2000, Amaircare, and others. Often the devices are somewhat cumbersome, and have size and bulk of a small filing cabinet. In such devices, care must be taken to ensure that ultraviolet radiation from the germicidal lamp cannot be viewed by nearby persons, to prevent eye injury. Although such fan-powered devices can reduce or destroy microorganisms, the devices tend to be bulky, and are not necessarily silent in operation.  
           [0008]    What is needed is a device to condition air in a room that can operate relatively silently to remove particulate matter in the air, that can preferably output safe amounts of ozone, and that can also kill or reduce microorganisms such as germs, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and the like.  
           [0009]    The present invention provides such a device.  
         SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0010]    In a first aspect, the invention provides an electro-kinetic ionizing device with a baffle mechanism and a germicidal lamp housed within the device such that the baffle mechanism precludes lamp ultraviolet radiation from being viewed by humans. In one configuration, the germicidal lamp is disposed vertically within a somewhat tubular housing, with an array of first and second electrodes disposed axially at one lamp end. In an alternative embodiment, there is an array of first and second electrodes disposed axially at each lamp end. In the various embodiments, intake and outlet vents at each end of the housing promote flow of electro-kinetically moved air without permitting viewing of the lamp radiation.  
           [0011]    Preferred electrode array configurations include pin-ring and elongated pin-ring electrodes, including pin electrodes formed from an arc or ring of tapered conductive material, and symmetrically disposed arrays of electrodes formed as a single component. The electrodes in an array preferably are symmetrically disposed with respect to each other, and like in the air flow path. Efficacy of the germicidal lamp in destroying bacterial, virus, germs, etc. in the air flow appears to be proportional to the length of time the airflow is subjected to radiation from the lamp. Thus the preferred embodiments of the invention dispose the longitudinal axis of the germicidal lamp parallel to the long axis of the electro-kinetic device.  
           [0012]    If desired, moisture containing material such as Porex maybe included to augment moisture content in the outflow of conditioned air. In one embodiment, a personal-sized portable device is provided that includes electro-kinetically generated airflow with ions and ozone in the output, reduced particulate matter in the output airflow, and with reduced or eliminated microorganisms as a result of ultraviolet radiation generated from a germicidal type lamp within the device. In an alternative embodiment, the electro-kinetic components maybe replaced by a small battery operated fan, to yield a personal device that outputs air substantially devoid of microorganisms. A Porex type element may also be included to allow a user to augment moisture content in the air outflow.  
           [0013]    Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 depicts a generic electro-kinetic conditioner device that outputs ionized air and ozone, according to the prior art;  
         [0015]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 F depict embodiments of electro-kinetic conditioner devices with enhanced ability to diminish, inhibit, or destroy microorganisms such as germs, bacteria, and viruses, according to the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3A is a view of an electrode system comprising concentric rings of first array electrodes and second array electrodes, according to the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3B is a simplified cross-sectional side view of a portion of an electrode system such as shown in FIG. 3A, according to the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4A is a breakaway view of a personal conditioner device that includes a germicidal lamp, a moisture-enhancing component, and an electro-kinetic air mover and/or an electric fan air mover, according to the present invention; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4B depicts the device of FIG. 4A, worn around the neck of a user, according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2A depicts a first embodiment of a device  200  that provides electro-kinetic conditioning of ambient air, with improved ability to diminish or destroy microorganisms including bacteria, germs, and viruses. As will now be described, device  200  takes ambient air (IN) that may include such microorganisms, as well as particulate matter (depicted as x). Further, without using moving components, device  10  outputs conditioned air (OUT) that has at least some particulate matter removed, that includes ions, safe amounts of ozone, and is freer of such microorganisms.  
         [0021]    Device  200  includes a housing  210  that comprises a base portion  220 , a main portion  230 , and an upper portion  240  that also serves as a light baffle. Housing  210  includes at least one ambient air intake vent  250 , and at least one conditioned air outlet vent  260 . As used herein, it will be understood that intake vent  250  is “upstream” relative to outlet vent  260 , or that outlet vent  260  is “downstream” from intake vent  250 . “Upstream” and “downstream” describe the general flow of air into, through, and out of device  200 , as indicated by the large hollow arrows.  
         [0022]    One role of housing  210  is to prevent a nearby human, shown as  270 , from viewing preferably ultraviolet (UV) radiations or emanations  280  generated by a UV lamp  290  disposed within the housing. UV lamp  290  is a so-called UV-C lamp that preferably emits radiation having wavelength of about 254 nm, which wavelength is effective in diminishing or destroying bacteria, germs, and viruses to which it is exposed. Lamps  290  are commercially available, for example the Phillips model TUO 25W/G25 T8, a 25 W tubular lamp measuring about 25 mm in diameter by about 43 cm in length. Another suitable lamp is the Phillips TUO 8WG8 T6, an 8 W lamp measuring about 15 mm in diameter by about 29 cm in length. Other lamps that emit the desired wavelength may instead be used.  
         [0023]    The efficacy of radiation  280  upon microorganism depends upon the length of time such organisms are subjected to the radiation. Thus in the preferred embodiments, lamp  290  is disposed within housing  210  such that the longitudinal axis of the lamp is parallel to the upstream-to-downstream airflow within the housing.  
         [0024]    In the configuration of FIG. 2A, lamp  210  is disposed parallel to but not coaxially with the airstream that is created preferably electro-kinetically within device  200 . An electro-kinetic airflow is created in the following fashion. Electrode assembly  310  comprises a first electrode array  320 A and a second electrode array  330 A. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, array  320 A comprises a single pin-type electrically conductive electrode that preferably terminates in a point. In FIG. 2A, array  330 A comprises a ring-like electrode that may be constructed from an electrically conductive cylinder. Preferably the edges of this electrode facing electrode  320 A are somewhat rounded such that the effective radius R 2  of these edges is much larger than the effective radius R 1  of electrode  320 A. The ratio R 2 :R 1  should be at least ten, and preferably fifteen or more.  
         [0025]    A high voltage pulse generator  340  is coupled between electrodes in the first electrode array  320 A and electrodes in the second electrode array  330 A. Generator  340 A receives low input voltage, e.g., 115 VAC to 230 VAC or in some embodiments battery-supplied 6 VDC to 12 VDC and generates high voltage pulses of at least 10 KV peak-to-peak with a repetition rate of about 20 KHz. The pulse train output preferably has a duty cycle of perhaps 10%, especially in battery-operated embodiments, but may have other duty cycles including 100% duty cycle. High voltage pulse generator  340  maybe implemented in many ways, and typically will comprise a low voltage oscillator operating at perhaps 20 KHz frequency that outputs low voltage pulses to an electronic switch such as a thyristor. The thyristor or other switch couples the low voltage pulses to the input winding of a step-up transformer whose secondary winding is coupled to a high voltage multiplier circuit outputting the high voltage pulses. The various circuits and components comprising high voltage pulse generator  340  may be fabricated on a printed circuit board mounted within housing  210 , for example in the housing base portion  220 .  
         [0026]    As shown in FIG. 2A, device  200  may include additional circuitry  350 , for example a voltage conditioner to provide proper operating voltage for lamp (or lamps)  290 , a circuit to allow device  200  to function for a certain amount of time, etc.  
         [0027]    In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the positive output terminal of generator  340  is coupled to the second electrode array  330 A, and the negative output terminal is coupled to the first electrode array  320 A. This coupling polarity has been found to work well, including minimizing unwanted audible electrode vibration or hum. However the opposite polarity could instead be used, e.g., negative port of generator  340  coupled to electrode(s)  330 A and positive port coupled to electrode(s)  320 A. As noted, the geometry of electrode(s)  320 A is such that at least one relatively narrow or sharp point terminus exists. As one consequence, when voltage or pulses from high voltage pulse generator  340  are coupled across the first and second electrode arrays, it is believed that a plasma-like field is created surrounding first array electrode(s)  320 A. This electric field ionizes the ambient air between the first and second electrode arrays and establishes an “OUT” airflow that moves in a downstream direction, towards the second array electrode(s)  330 A. It is understood that the IN flow of ambient air can enter via vent(s)  250 , that the electro-kinetically generated air flows in the direction of and at least partially through electrode(s)  330 A, that the air flow is subjected to UV radiation  280 , and exits device  200  as OUT, via one or more outlet vents  260 . In the process, particulate matter (shown as x) entrained in the air flow can become electrostatically attached to the surface of electrode(s)  330 A, as indicated in FIG. 2A.  
         [0028]    It is believed that ozone and ions are generated simultaneously by the first array electrode(s)  320 A, essentially as a function of the potential from generator  340  coupled to the first array. Ozone generation maybe increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the potential at the first array. Coupling an opposite polarity potential to the second array electrode(s)  330 A essentially accelerates the motion of ions generated at the first array, producing the air flow denoted as “OUT” in the figures. As the ions move toward the second array, it is believed that they push or move air molecules toward the second array. The relative velocity of this motion may be increased by decreasing the potential at the second array relative to the potential at the first array.  
         [0029]    For example, if +10 KV were applied to the first array electrode(s), and no potential were applied to the second array electrode(s), a cloud of ions (whose net charge is positive) would form adjacent the first electrode array. Further, the relatively high 10 KV potential would generate substantial local concentration of ozone. By coupling a relatively negative potential to the second array electrode(s), the velocity of the air mass moved by the net emitted ions increases, as momentum of the moving ions is conserved. This air movement dilutes the ozone concentration adjacent the first array electrodes, allowing the ozone concentration to be maintained at safe levels.  
         [0030]    On the other hand, if it were desired to maintain the same effective outflow (OUT) velocity but to generate less ozone, the exemplary 10 KV potential could be divided between the electrode arrays. For example, generator  340  could provide +4 KV (or some other fraction) to the first array electrode(s) and −6 KV (or some other fraction) to the second array electrode(s). In this example, it is understood that the +4 KV and the −6 KV are measured relative to ground. Understandably it is desired that the present invention operate to output safe amounts of ozone. Accordingly, the high voltage is preferably fractionalized with about +4 KV applied to the first array electrode(s) and about −6 KV applied to the second array electrodes.  
         [0031]    As noted, outflow (OUT) preferably includes safe amounts of O 3  that can destroy or at least substantially alter bacteria, germs, and other living (or quasi-living) matter subjected to the outflow. In preliminary experiments, it appears that subjecting the airstream to UV radiation  280  can somehow reduce the concentration of O 3  that is present in the OUT flow. Possibly the UV radiation hastens the disassociation of oxygen atoms comprising the ozone, but applicants have not thoroughly investigated this phenomenon. Understandably decreasing O 3  concentration, e.g., through use of UV lamp  290 , can permit a higher velocity of OUT airflow, without necessarily increasing O 3  to undesirably high concentrations.  
         [0032]    In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, device  200  has a cylindrical-shaped housing that is about 24″ tall, and about 6″ in cross-section or diameter. Input and output vents  250 ,  260  are preferably are each shaped as an annulus with an opening height of perhaps 0.5″, although other configurations could be used. The housing preferably is made from a lightweight inexpensive material, ABS plastic for example. The lower surface of upper housing member  240  may be formed with a non-smooth finish or a non-light reflecting finish or color, to minimize a user  270  viewing reflected radiation  280  from lamp  290 . As suggested by FIG. 2A, housing portion  240  preferably has a curved shape to direct the OUT airflow from a vertical orientation to an orientation that includes a horizontal component.  
         [0033]    Ring-like electrode(s)  330 A preferably have a cross-section or diameter of perhaps 2″ to 4″ and a length (upstream to downstream) of about 4″ to 6″. The electrode(s) may be formed from a cylinder or tube of metal, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. The pointed electrode(s)  320 A are preferably made from a durable conductor such as tungsten, the better to withstand ionization effects. The length of the pointed portion of electrode(s)  320 A is preferably at least 0.5″, and the spaced-apart distance from the distal tip of electrode(s)  320 A to the preferably curved or circular opening formed in electrode(s)  330 A is about 1″. Especially good electro-kinetic transport action can result when electrode(s)  320 A are substantially coaxially and symmetrically disposed with respect to electrode(s)  330 A. Thus, in FIG. 2A, the longitudinal axis of electrode(s)  320 A and  331 A are substantially coaxial.  
         [0034]    Preferably operating parameters of the present invention are set during manufacture and are not user-adjustable. For example, increasing the peak-to-peak output voltage and/or duty cycle in the high voltage pulses generated by unit  340  can increase air flowrate, ion content, and ozone content. In the preferred embodiment, output flowrate is at least about 200 feet/minute, ion content is about 2,000,000/cc and ozone content is about 40 ppb (over ambient) to perhaps 2,000 ppb (over ambient). As described herein, decreasing the second electrode/first electrode radius of curvature R 2 /R 1  ratio below about 20:1 will decrease flow rate, as will decreasing the peak-to-peak voltage and/or duty cycle of the high voltage pulses coupled between the first and second electrode arrays.  
         [0035]    Within device  200 , the electro-kinetically created airstream is subjected to sufficient radiation from lamp  290  for a sufficiently long time to substantially diminish if not destroy microorganisms that were present in the incoming ambient air. Thus, the output air (OUT) is conditioned in that particulate matter tends to precipitate electrostatically to the surface of electrode(s)  330 A and be removed from the airflow, and microorganisms such as germs, fungi, bacteria, and viruses are substantially if not completely removed. Some ions are present in the output air, which can be beneficial, as are safe amounts of O 3 . Occasionally it may be desirable to clean electrode(s)  330 A so as to remove deposited particulate matter x from the electrode surface.  
         [0036]    In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, electrical leads from lamp  290  to circuit  350  are omitted for ease of illustration, and lamp  290  is now shown disposed substantially coaxially with the electrode system  310  and with the airflow. It is understood that an advantage of coaxial lamp mounting is that essentially all of the radiated UV  280  may affect the airflow, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, some of the radiation must reflect from the interior wall surface of housing portion  230  before it can affect any portion of the airflow. If desired, multiple lamps  290  maybe used, including at least one lamp mounted off-axis (e.g., FIG. 2A) and one lamp mounted coaxially (e.g., FIG. 2B).  
         [0037]    Note too in FIG. 2B that the edges of electrode(s)  330 A′ facing upstream (e.g., towards electrode(s)  320 A) have been chambered or rounded. Chambering is a preferred implementation of electrode(s)  330 A in that beginning at the electrode regions facing electrode(s)  320 A and continuing toward the opposite, downstream direction, a smooth and continuous second electrode array electrode surface is presented.  
         [0038]    In the configuration of FIG. 2C, electrode(s)  320 A are implemented using a portion of carbon or other material  320 A′ that terminates in a plurality of individual fibers, as shown. Various of the fibers act as individual pointed or pin-like electrodes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the various fibers are essentially coaxially disposed with respect to ring-like electrodes  330 A or  330 A′.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 2D depicts a configuration in which ring-like electrode(s) are configured as  330 A″, a rather elongated cylindrical member with a smoothly outwardly flared edge in the upstream direction. In this configuration it can be advantageous to mount lamp  290  from one end. Again, for ease of illustration, electrical wires coupling lamp  290  to its power source have been omitted from the drawing. Note the inclusion of optional vanes  360 , disposed within housing  210  so as to intentionally retard velocity of the airflow. These vanes can impart a vortex-like spin to the moving air, slowing the rate of flow, which increases the effective dwell time that UV radiation  280  from lamp  290  can act upon the airstream. It is understood that vanes  360  may also be included in the other configurations described, and to be described. In FIG. 2D, the diameter of electrode(s)  330 A″ maybe 4″ or so, and the length maybe 12″ or so, although other dimensions maybe used. While FIG. 2D depicts electrode(s)  330 A″ as coupled to the positive port of high voltage pulse generator  340 , it is understood that polarity of the pulses coupled to the first array and second array electrodes may in fact be reversed from what is shown.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2E depicts a cascade configuration of first and second array electrodes that has been found to reduce audible hissing-like noise that can emanate from device  200 . In this configuration, a pair of first array electrodes  320 A,  320 B are electrically series coupled to one port of high voltage generator  340 , and a pair of second array electrodes  330 A′,  330 B′ are electrically series coupled to the other port of high voltage generator  340 . The electrodes within a pair are preferably substantially symmetrically or coaxially disposed with respect to each other. Thus, electrode  320 A is symmetrically and in this case also coaxially disposed with respect to electrode  330 A′, and electrode  320 B is symmetrically and in this case also coaxially disposed with respect to electrode  330 B′. Differently shaped ring-like electrodes  330 A′ and  330 B′ are depicted to suggest the relative freedom of design that exists. However in the various configurations, the R 2 /R 1 &gt;10 ratio described earlier is preferably met.  
         [0041]    Also shown in FIG. 2E is an optional ring (or other configuration) of moisture-retaining material  390 , disposed adjacent at least one outlet port  260  as to present the least resistance to the outflow of air. In the preferred embodiment, moisture-retaining member  390  is a hollow collar-like cylinder, perhaps 0.125″ thick of Porex™ UHMW X-4901 material, that can be moistened with water, with scent, perhaps with medication (e.g., asthma medication). Such material has a polyethylene base, exhibits a wicking action, and can absorb and retain substantial amounts of moisture. A user can periodically moisten this material, and the outflow of air (OUT) can contain not only beneficial amounts of ozone, some ions, relatively little particulate matter, and preferably little or no microorganisms, but may have increased humidity, if so desired by a user. Such material  390  may be included in the other configurations of the present invention described herein.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 2F depicts a configuration of the present invention in which housing  210  provides intake ports or vents  250  at an upper region and output ports or vents  260  at a lower region. In this configuration, germicidal UV lamp  290  is shown disposed in a lower region of the housing. Although FIG. 2F depicts a specific configuration of pin-like and ring-like electrodes, it is understood that other electrode configurations and/or additional electrode configurations could be used to establish a desired electro-kinetic airflow, to establish precipitation of particulate matter x in the incoming ambient air, to output ions, and to output safe amounts of ozone. Note that a collar or other configuration of moisture containing material  260  may optionally be provided.  
         [0043]    Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a compact configuration for an electrode system  310  is shown that can create the same total volume of air flow as can be generated from larger configuration electrode systems. The system is especially robust and can be removed from a device housing and cleaned of accumulated particulate particles and other matter, by being washed in an ordinary household dishwasher. FIG. 3B depicts force field lines resulting from application of high voltage from generator  340  across the electrode system.  
         [0044]    In the configuration of FIG. 3A, a plurality of concentrically disposed first array electrodes  320 A are disposed upstream from a plurality of concentrically disposed second array electrodes  330 A. As best seen in FIG. 3B, the distal ends (the ends facing downstream or to the right in the figure) preferably are tapered or pointed or sharp. To depict the flexibility of design, the tapered distal end points of the first array electrodes  320 A are shown essentially flush with each other in FIG. 3B, although they could instead be staggered. By contrast, the upstream facing preferably curved distal ends of second array electrodes  330 A are shown staggered, although they could instead be flush with each other.  
         [0045]    The first array electrodes  320 A maybe machined or otherwise formed from a durable metal, and are connected to each other electrically and to one output port of high voltage pulse generator  340 , for example the positive port. The second array electrodes  330 A similarly are formed from a durable metal and are connected to each other electrically and to the other end of the high voltage pulse generator  340 . In this configuration as in the other electrode configurations, it is understood that one of the output ports or terminals of high voltage pulse generator  340  may in fact be at the same potential as ambient air.  
         [0046]    The configuration shown in FIG. 3A maybe perhaps 6″ to 8″ in outer diameter, perhaps 4″ to 10″ in length, with a spacing between adjacent concentric rings of elements  320 A or of elements  330 A of perhaps 0.25″ to 0.5″. Other dimensions may instead be used, however. If desired, the configuration of FIG. 3A maybe slightly modified to use offset spiral configurations for electrodes  320 A and for  330 A. Spiral configurations can simplify manufacturing as well as the electrically connections to the electrodes.  
         [0047]    As shown in FIG. 3B, particulate matter (depicted as x) in the incoming air (IN) will tend to electrostatically adhere to the surface of the downstream second array electrodes  330 A. The output airflow (OUT), however, will be relatively free of such particulate matter, and will contain ions and safe amounts of O 3 . Further, the presence of a germicidal-type UV lamp  290  (not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B) will ensure that microorganisms present in the incoming air will be substantially eliminated in the air outflow (OUT). It is further understood that, if desired, a ring or rings (or other configuration) of moisture retaining material  390  maybe disposed, preferably adjacent a downstream portion of electrode assembly  310 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 4A is a perspective, breakaway view of a battery operable personal device  400 , showing housing  410  as comprising an upper housing member  420  that includes intake vents  250 , a lower housing member  430  and can house, among other components, batteries B 1  to power device  400 , and includes a battery hatch  440  to provide access to B 1 . An ON/OFF switch S 1  can couple B 1  to the high voltage generator and circuitry  340 ,  350  within housing  410 . Housing  410  further includes a front housing portion  450  and provides outlet vents  260 . In the preferred embodiment, the interior area of at least a portion of the outlet area includes foam like fluid-retaining material  260 , as described above, which material, when wet, can augment humidity of th output airflow OUT.  
         [0049]    In the embodiment shown, airflow preferably is electro-kinetically generated with an electrode system  310  that includes two pairs of electrode arrays. Alternatively, or in addition, a small DC-powered fan  500  maybe included to create an airflow, albeit without generating ozone and/or ions. In FIG. 4A, pin-like and ring-like electrodes  320 A and  330 B′. First array electrodes  320 A may be as shown in FIGS.  2 A- 2 F, and second array electrodes  330 B′ preferably are flared, as shown in FIG. 2E. Each pin-like or pointed electrode  320 A is upstream and preferably coaxial from a ring-like electrode  330 B′. A collar of moisture retaining material  390  is disposed within housing portion  450  so as to be subjected to the airflow passing through the smooth and continuous interior surface of an adjacent electrode  330 B′.  
         [0050]    Device  400  further includes a germicidal type UV lamp  290 , such as described earlier herein. Lamp  290  is disposed within housing  410  so that the airflow (whether created electro-kinetically or by fan  500 ) is subjected to UV radiation from the lamp  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4B shows device  400  suspended from the neck of a user by a cord  510 . The battery operated device  400  lends itself to use in crowded areas such as motor vehicles, airplanes, etc. where the ambient air might be less than pristine. The inclusion of lamp  290  within device  400  will promote the destruction of germs, bacteria, fungi, viruses in the output airflow (OUT). The electro-kinetic generation of the airflow promotes silent operation of device  400 , serves to output air that has been at least partially cleaned of particulate matter, and that can include ions and/or ozone. Further, the inclusion of wettable material  390  allows the wearer or user of device  400  to augment moisture in the outflow of air, and/or to add scented liquid and/or medication to further augment the nature and quality of the output airflow. Although device  400  is shown worn around a user&#39;s body in FIG. 4B, device  400  may also be placed on an automobile dashboard and, if desired, powered from the vehicle battery.  
         [0052]    Modifications and variations maybe made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.