Patent Publication Number: US-2006018812-A1

Title: Air conditioner devices including pin-ring electrode configurations with driver electrode

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. 60/591,031, filed Jul. 26, 2004 and is continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/791,561, filed Mar. 2, 2004, entitled “Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter and Conditioner Devices including Pin-Ring Electrode Configurations with Driver Electrode” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      It is known in the art to produce an airflow using electro-kinetic techniques, by which electrical power is converted into a flow of air without mechanically moving components. One such system was described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee (1988), depicted herein in simplified form as  FIG. 1 . System  100  includes a first array  110  of emitter electrodes  112  that are spaced-apart symmetrically from a second array  120  of collector electrodes  122 . The positive terminal of a high voltage pulse generator  140  that outputs a train of high voltage pulses (e.g., 0 to perhaps +5 KV) is coupled to the first array  110 , and the negative pulse generator terminal is coupled to the second array  120  in this example.  
      The high voltage pulses ionize the air between the arrays  110  and  120  and create an airflow  150  from the first array  110  toward the second array  120  without requiring any moving parts. Particulate matter  160  is entrained within the airflow  150  and also moves towards the collector electrodes  122 . Some of the particulate matter is electrostatically attracted to the surfaces of the collector electrodes  122 , where it remains, thus conditioning the flow of air exiting the system  100 . Further, the corona discharge produced between the electrode arrays can release ozone into the ambient environment, which can eliminate odors that are entrained in the airflow. However, ozone production is generally undesirable in excess quantities.  
      In a further embodiment of Lee shown herein as  FIG. 2 , a third array  230  includes passive collector electrodes  232  that are positioned midway between each pair of collector electrodes  122 . According to Lee, these passive collector electrodes  232 , which were described as being grounded, increase precipitation efficiency. However, because the grounded passive collector electrodes  232  (also referred to hereafter as driver electrodes) are located close to adjacent negatively charged collector electrodes  122 , undesirable arcing (also known as breakdown or sparking) may occur between the collector electrodes  122  and the driver electrodes  232 . Arcing occurs if the potential difference between two or more electrodes is too high, or if a carbon path is produced between the electrode  122  and the electrode  232  (e.g., a moth or other insect getting stuck between the electrode  122  and the electrode  232 ).  
      Increasing the voltage difference between the driver electrodes  232  and the collector electrodes  122  is one way to further increase particle collecting efficiency and air flow rate. However, the extent that the voltage difference can be increased is limited, because arcing will eventually occur between the collector electrodes  122  and the driver electrodes  232 . Such arcing will typically decrease the collecting efficiency of the system.  
      What is needed is a device having improved the particle collecting efficiency and/or air-flow rate generation. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       FIG. 1  illustrates schematically, a prior art electro-kinetic conditioner system.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates schematically, a prior art electro-kinetic conditioner system.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an air-conditioner system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various embodiments of the electrode assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates exemplary electrostatic field lines produced using embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates the relative distances between various electrodes of the air-conditioner systems of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates a driver electrode that is coated with an ozone reducing catalyst, according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an air-conditioner system according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates an air conditioner system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates an air conditioner system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 11 A  illustrates an air conditioner system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 11 B  illustrates an air conditioner system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 12A  illustrates an electrode assembly having a ring emitter electrode configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 12B  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ring emitter electrode configuration in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 12C  illustrates a simplified cross-sectional side view of a portion of the electrode assembly in  FIG. 12A  along line C-C according to one embodiment of the present invention;.  
       FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate cross sections of housings including air conditioner systems, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      Embodiments of the present invention are related to air conditioner systems and methods. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least one ring collector electrode that is downstream from the emitter electrode. The emitter electrode has a plurality of pins axially arranged about a center. A driver electrode is located within the interior of the collector electrode. Preferably, although not necessarily, the driver electrode is insulated. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The embodiments as described herein have some or all of the advantages of increasing the particle collection efficiency, increasing the rate and/or volume of airflow, reducing arcing, and/or reducing the amount of ozone generated. Further, ions generated using many of the embodiments of the present invention will be more of the negative variety as opposed to the positive variety.  
      An insulated driver electrode includes an underlying electrically conductive electrode that is covered with insulation, e.g., a dielectric material. The dielectric material can be, for example, a heat shrink tubing material or an insulating varnish type material. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric material is coated with an ozone reducing catalyst. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric material includes or is an ozone reducing catalyst.  
      Insulation on the driver electrode allows the voltage potential between the driver and collector electrodes to be increased to a voltage potential that would otherwise cause arcing if the insulation were not present. This increased voltage potential increases particle collection efficiency. Additionally, the insulation will reduce, and likely prevent, any arcing from occurring if a carbon path is formed between the collector electrode and driver electrode.  
      In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the emitter electrode and the driver electrode are grounded, whereas the high voltage source is used to provide a high voltage potential to the collector electrode (e.g., −16 KV). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the emitter electrode is at a first voltage potential, the collector electrode is at a second voltage potential different than the first voltage potential, and the driver electrode is at a third voltage potential different than the first and second voltage potentials. One of the first, second and third voltage potentials can be at ground, but need not be. Other variations, such as the emitter electrode and driver electrode being at the same voltage potential (ground or otherwise) are within the scope of the invention.  
      It is within the scope of the invention to have an upstream end of the driver electrode substantially aligned with or set forward a distance from the upstream end of the ring collector electrode. However, the upstream end of the driver electrode is preferably set back a distance from the upstream end of the ring collector electrode. More specifically, the driver is preferably setback a sufficient distance such that the electric field between the emitter and collector electrodes does not interfere with the electric field between the driver and collector electrode, and vice versa.  
      Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the embodiments have been set forth in detail, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.  
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an air conditioner system  400  according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional side view of the system  400  shown in  FIG. 3 . The system  400  includes a pin emitter electrode  412 , a ring collector electrode  422  and a driver electrode  432 . The driver electrode  432  is located within (at least partially within) an interior  462  of the ring collector electrode  422 . In one embodiment, the system  400  includes one pin emitter electrode  412 , one ring collector electrode  422  and one driver electrode  432 . Accordingly, the upper group of electrodes in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  is shown in dashed lines. However, it should also be understood that there could be two or more groups of electrodes (i.e., electrodes  412 ,  422  and  432  can be repeated two or more times to produce a column, row, matrix, or other configuration of groups of electrodes). In another embodiment, there are multiple emitter electrodes  412  for one collector electrode  422 , as discussed below. For simplicity, only the lower group of electrodes  412 ,  422  and  432  will be discussed. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the upper group of electrodes  412 ,  422  and  432  can be arranged in a similar manner and will operate in a similar manner.  
      The driver electrode  432  is preferably insulated with a dielectric material, thereby forming an insulated driver electrode, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . However, the present invention also encompasses embodiments where the driver electrode  432  is not insulated. Increased particle collection efficiency should still be achieved using an un-insulated driver electrode  432 . However, undesirable arcing (also known as breakdown or sparking) may occur between the driver electrode  432  and the surrounding ring collector electrode  422  if the potential difference therebetween is too high, or if a carbon path is produced between the electrodes. The insulation  436  (e.g., dielectric material) on the driver electrode  432  allows the voltage potential to be increased between the driver electrode and collector electrode, to a voltage potential that would otherwise cause arcing if the insulation were not present. This increased voltage potential further increases particle collection efficiency, as will be described below.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the pin emitter electrode  412  is shown as being connected to a positive terminal of a high voltage source  440 , and the collector electrode  432  is shown connected to a negative terminal of the high voltage source  440 . The insulated driver electrode  432  is shown as being grounded in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  
      During operation of the system  400 , the high voltage source  440  produces a high voltage potential between the emitter electrode  412  and the ring collector electrode  422 . More specifically, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 A, the high voltage source  440  positively charges the emitter electrode  412  and negatively charges the collector electrode  422 . For example, the voltage to the emitter electrode  412  can be +6 KV, while the voltage to the collector electrode  422  can be −10 KV, resulting in a 16 KV potential difference between the emitter electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422 . This potential difference produces a high intensity electric field that is highly concentrated around the pointed tip of the emitter electrode  412  which generally faces the collector electrode  422 . More specifically, a corona discharge takes place from the pointed tip of the emitter electrode  412  to the upstream portion of the collector electrode  422 , thereby producing an ionization region having positively charged ions therein. Particles (e.g., dust particles) in the vicinity of the emitter electrode  412  are thus positively charged by the ions as the particles travel through the ionization region. The positively charged ions are repelled by the positively charged emitter electrode  412 , and are attracted to and deposited predominantly on the inner surface  460  of the negatively charged collector electrode  422 .  
      A further electric field, referred to herein as the collection region, is produced between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422 . The driver electrode  432  pushes the positively charged particles toward the inner surface  460  of the collector electrode  422 . Generally, the greater the collection region between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422 , the greater the particle collection efficiency of the collector electrode  422 . If the driver electrode  432  is not insulated, then the extent that the voltage difference (and thus, the collection region) could be increased would be limited due to potential arcing between the collector electrode  422  and the un-insulated driver electrode. However, the insulation  436  covering the driver electrode  434  significantly increases the voltage potential difference that can be obtained between the collector electrode  422  and the driver electrode  432 .  
      Although the emitter electrode  412  receives a positive voltage potential, the collector electrode  422  receives a negative voltage potential, and the insulated driver electrode  432  is grounded, other voltage potential variations are contemplated to drive the air system  400 . Such other voltage potential variations will also produce a flow of ionized air from the emitter electrode  412  toward the collector electrode  422 , so long as a high voltage differential is provided therebetween. Similarly, so long as a high voltage potential exists between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422 , the driver electrode  432  will help increase collecting efficiency by pushing charged particles in the airflow toward the inside surface  460  of the collector electrode  422 .  
      In one embodiment, the emitter electrode  412  and the driver electrode  432  are grounded, while the collector electrode  422  receives a high negative voltage potential, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Such one embodiment is advantageous, because the emitter electrode  412  is generally at the same potential as the floor and walls of a room within which system is placed, reducing the chance that charged particles may flow backward, i.e., away from the collector electrode  422 . Another advantage of the voltage arrangement in  FIG. 4B  is that only a single polarity voltage supply is needed. For example, the voltage source  440  only provides a −16 KV potential without requiring any positive supply potential. Thus, this voltage configuration is relatively simple to design, build and manufacture, thereby making it a cost-effective system.  
      In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 4C , the driver electrode  432  as well as the emitter electrode  412  is positively charged, whereas the collector electrode  422  is negatively charged. In particular, the driver electrode  432  is electrically coupled to the positive terminal of the voltage source  440 . The emitter electrode  412  applies a positive charge to the particulates passing by the electrode  412 . The collection region produced between the driver electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422  will thus push the positively charged particles toward the collector electrodes  422 . Generally, the greater the collection region, the greater the airflow velocity and the particle collection efficiency of the system  400 .  
      In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4D , the emitter electrode  412  is positively charged (e.g., 6 KV), the driver electrode  432  is slightly negatively charged (e.g., −1 KV), and the collector electrode  422  is significantly more negatively charged (e.g., −10 KV). Other variations are also possible while still being within the spirit as scope of the present invention. It is also possible that the instead of grounding certain portions of the electrode arrangement, the entire arrangement can float (e.g., the driver electrode  432  and the emitter electrode  412  can be at a floating voltage potential with the collector electrode  422  being offset from the floating voltage potential).  
      If desired, the voltage potential of the emitter electrode  412  and the driver electrode  432  are independently adjustable. This allows for corona current adjustment (produced by the electric field between the emitter electrode  412  and collector electrode  422 ) to be performed independently of the adjustments to the collecting region between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422 . More specifically, this allows the voltage potential between the emitter electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422  to be kept below arcing levels while still being able to independently increase the voltage potential between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422  to a higher voltage potential difference.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates exemplary electro-static field lines produced by the system of the present invention. The ionization region produces ions and cause air movement in a downstream direction from the emitter electrode  412  toward the collector electrode  422 . Since the charged particles passing by the emitter electrode  412  have a polarity opposite than the polarity of the collector electrode  422 , the charged particles will be attracted to the inner surface  460  of the collector electrode  422 . Thus, at least a portion of the charged particles will collect on the inner surface  460  (also referred to as the interior surface) of the collector electrode  422 , thereby cleaning the air. It is to be understood that charged particles will also collect on the outer surface  461  of the collector electrodes  422  ( FIG. 4D ).  
      The use of a driver electrode  432  increases the particle collection efficiency of the electrode assembly and reduces the percentage of particles that escape through the ring collector electrode  422 . This is by the driver electrode  432  pushing particles in air flow toward the inside surface  460  of the collector electrode  422 . As mentioned above, the driver electrode  432  is preferably insulated which further increases particle collection efficiency. Without the driver electrode  432 , a percentage of the charged particles in the airflow may escape through the ring collector electrode  422  without being collected on the inner surface  460  of the collector electrode  422 .  
      It is preferred that the collecting region between the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422  does not interfere with the ionization region between the emitter electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422 . If this were to occur, the electric field in the collecting region might reduce the intensity of the electric field in the ionization region, thereby reducing the production of ions and slowing down the airflow rate. Accordingly, the leading end (i.e., upstream end) of the driver electrode  432  is preferably set back (i.e., downstream) from the leading end of the collector electrode  422  by a distance that is about the same as the diameter of the ring collector electrode  422 . This is shown in  FIG. 6 , in which the setback distance X of the driver electrode  432  is approximately equal to the diameter Y of the ring collector electrode  422 . Still referring to  FIG. 6 , it is also desirable to have the distance Z between the emitter electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422  to be about equal to the diameter Y of the ring collector electrode. However, other set back distances, diameters, and distances between the emitter and the collector electrodes  412 , 422  are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      The downstream end of the driver electrode  432  is preferably even with the downstream end of the ring collector electrode  422  as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the downstream end the driver electrode  432  is positioned slightly upstream or downstream from the downstream end of the ring collector electrode  422 . Where there is only one driver electrode  432  within (at least partially within) the interior  462  of the ring collector electrode  422 , it is preferred that the driver electrode  432  is generally axially centered within the ring collector electrode  432  and generally parallel with the interior surface  460  of the ring collector electrode  422 .  
      As explained above, the emitter electrode  412  and the driver electrode  432  may or may not be at the same voltage potential, depending on which embodiment of the present invention is practiced. When the emitter electrode  412  and the driver electrode  432  are at the same voltage potential, there will be no arcing which occurs between the emitter electrode  412  and the driver electrode  432 . Further, even when at different voltage potentials, the collector electrode  422  will shield the driver electrode  432  because the driver electrode  432  is positioned downstream of the collector electrode  422 , as can be appreciated from the electric field lines shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      In addition to producing ions, the systems described above will also produce ozone (03). While limited amounts of ozone are useful for eliminating odors, concentrations of ozone beyond recommended levels are generally undesirable. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, ozone production can be reduced by coating the driver electrode  432  with an ozone reducing catalyst. Exemplary ozone reducing catalysts include manganese dioxide and activated carbon. Commercially available ozone reducing catalysts such as PremAir™ manufactured by Englehard Corporation of Iselin, N.J., is alternatively used.  
      Some ozone reducing catalysts are electrically conductive, while others are not electrically conductive (e.g., manganese dioxide). If the desire is to provide a non-insulated driver electrode  432 , then the underling electrically conductive electrode  434  can be coated in any available matter with an electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst. However, if the desire is to provide an insulated driver electrode  432 , it is important that an electrically conductive catalyst does not interfere with the benefits of insulating the driver. When using a catalyst that is not electrically conductive to coat an insulated driver electrode  432 , the insulation  436  can be applied in any available manner. This is because the catalyst will act as an additional insulator and thus not defeat the purpose of adding the insulator  436 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the insulated driver electrode  432  includes an electrically conductive electrode  434  that is covered by a dielectric material  436 . In embodiments where the driver electrode  432  is not insulated, the driver electrode would simply include the electrically conductive electrode  434 . In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric material  436  is a heat shrink material. During manufacture, the heat shrink material is placed over the electrically conductive electrode  434  and then heated, which causes the material to shrink to the shape of the electrode  434 . An exemplary heat shrinkable material is type FP-301 flexible polyolefin material available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. It should be noted that any other appropriate heat shrinkable material is also contemplated.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric material  436  is an insulating varnish, lacquer or resin. For example, a varnish, after being applied to the surface of the underlying electrode  434 , dries and forms an insulating coat or film which is a few mil (thousands of an inch) in thickness. The dielectric strength of the varnish or lacquer can be, for example, above 1000 V/mil (one thousands of an inch). Such insulating varnishes, lacquer and resins are commercially available from various sources, such as from John C. Dolph Company of Monmouth Junction, N.J., and Ranbar Electrical Materials Inc. of Manor, Pa. Other possible dielectric materials that can be used to insulate the driver electrode  432  include, but are not limited to, ceramic, porcelain enamel or fiberglass. These are just a few examples of dielectric materials that can be used to insulate the driver electrode  432 .  
      The underlying electrode  434  is shown connected by a wire  702  (or other conductor) to a voltage potential (ground in this example). In this embodiment, an ozone reducing catalyst  704  covers most of the insulation  436 . If the ozone reducing catalyst does not conduct electricity, then the ozone reducing catalyst  704  may contact the wire or other conductor  702  without negating the advantages of insulating the underlying driver electrode  434 . However, if the ozone reducing catalyst  704  is electrically conductive, then care must be taken so that the electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst  704  (covering the insulation  436 ) does not touch the wire or other conductor  702  that connects the underlying electrode  434  to the voltage source  440 . So long as an electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst is spaced far enough from the wire  704  to prevent voltage breakdown therebetween, then the potential of the electrically conductive ozone reducing catalyst will remain floating. This allows an increased voltage potential to be between the insulated driver electrode  432  and the ring collector electrode  422 . Other examples of electrically conductive ozone reducing catalysts include, but are not limited to, noble metals.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, if the ozone reducing catalyst is not electrically conductive, then the ozone reducing catalyst can be included in, or used as, the insulation  436 . Preferably the ozone reducing catalysts should have a dielectric strength of at least 1000 V/mil (one-hundredth of an inch) in this embodiment.  
      When charged particles travel from the emitter electrode  412  toward the collector electrode  422 , the particles are either missing electrons or have extra electrons. In order to clean the air of particles, it is desirable that the particles stick to the collector electrode  422  (which can later be cleaned). Accordingly, it is desirable that the exposed surfaces of the collector electrode  422  are electrically conductive so that the collector electrode  422  can give up a charge (i.e., an electron) or accept a charge. This phenomenon thereby causes the particles to stick to the collector electrode  422 . Accordingly, if an ozone reducing catalyst is electrically conductive, the collector electrode  422  can be coated with the catalyst. However, it is preferred to coat the driver electrode  432 , or the internal walls of the system housing, with the ozone reducing catalyst instead of the collector electrode  422 . This is because, as particles collect on the interior surface  460  and the outer surface  461  of the collector electrode  422 , the interior surface  460  becomes covered with the particles and reduces the effectiveness of the ozone-reducing catalyst. The driver electrode  432 , on the other hand, may not collect as many particles as the collector electrodes  422 . Thus, the effectiveness of the catalyst which is used to coat the driver electrode  432  will not diminish the effectiveness of the driver electrodes  432 .  
      In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the pin emitter  412  electrode is generally coaxially arranged with the ring collector electrode  422  and generally in-line with the driver electrode  432  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 A- 4 D. The pin emitter electrode  412  is generally conical in one embodiment. Alternatively, the pin emitter electrode  412  has a generally triangular, yet flat, wedge shape. In another embodiment, the pin emitter electrode  412  is a wire with its insulation stripped off at its distal end. In still another embodiment, the pin emitter electrode  412  resembles the shape of a needle. The pin emitter electrode  412  alternatively has a pyramidal shape. These are just a few exemplary shapes for the pin emitter electrode and are not meant to be limiting. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the distal tip of the pin emitter electrode  412  can be somewhat rounded, rather than sharp, to reduce the amount of ozone created by the pin emitter electrode  412 . The pin emitter electrode  412  can be made from metal, such as tungsten, or other appropriate materials (e.g. carbon). Tungsten is sufficiently robust in order to withstand cleaning, has a high melting point to retard breakdown due to ionization, and has a rough exterior surface that seems to promote efficient ionization. However, the emitter electrode is made of any other appropriate material besides tungsten.  
      The ring collector electrode  422  is shown in the Figures as having a generally round circumference. However, the ring collector electrode  422  can have other shapes, such as oval, racetrack shaped, hexagonal, octagonal, square or rectangular. The collector electrode  422  can be manufactured in various manners, such as from metal tubing, or from sheet metal that is formed into the desired configuration. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the exposed surfaces (including the interior surface  460  and the outer surface  461 ) of the collector electrode  422  are highly polished to minimize unwanted point-to-point radiation. A polished surface also promotes ease of electrode cleaning. Other shapes, methods of manufacture and materials are also contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      The underlying conductive portion  434  of the driver electrode  432  is likely a wire or rod like electrode, but is not limited to those shapes. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the insulated driver electrode  432  is simply a piece of insulated wire. In such one embodiment, the upstream end of the driver electrode wire (which faces the pin emitter electrode  412 ) is preferably insulated. Thus, if the insulated driver electrode  432  is made by cutting an insulated wire to an appropriate length, the exposed end of the wire that faces the pin emitter electrode  412  should be appropriately insulated. Various exemplary types of insulation, as well as ways of applying the insulation have been discussed above. However, other types of insulation and ways of applying the insulation are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      In the Figures discussed above, each emitter electrode  412  was shown as being associated with one collector electrode  422  and one driver electrode  432 . However, there are other possible configurations that also within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , more then one driver electrode  432  is located within the ring collector electrode  422 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , more than one pin emitter electrode  412  is associated with a one ring collector electrode  422 . Alternatively, a sawtooth like emitter electrode  1012  can provide the plurality of pin emitter electrodes  412 , as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
      Where a column of two or more pin emitter electrodes  412  is used, in order to maintain a more uniform ionization region between the emitter electrodes  412  and the collector electrode  422 , an oval, racetrack or otherwise elongated shaped ring collector electrode  1122  is utilized, as shown in  FIG. 11 A . Similarly, where an oval, racetrack or otherwise elongated shaped ring collector electrode  1122  is used, it is preferable to use a column of two or more pin emitter electrodes  412 . As also shown in  FIG. 11A , where an oval, racetrack or otherwise elongated shaped ring collector electrode  1122  is used, an elongated driver electrode  1132 , which is preferably insulated, is used. In one embodiment, the driver electrode  1134  has a cylindrical rod shape ( FIG. 11B ), whereby the length of the driver electrode  1134  extends in a downstream direction towards the trailing end  1136  of the collector electrode  1122 . Alternatively, a plurality of driver electrodes, having or not having cylindrical shapes, are configured to minor the plurality of pin emitter electrodes  412 .  
       FIG. 12A  illustrates the electrode assembly  500  having a ring-shaped emitter electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the system  500  includes the ring-shaped emitter electrode  512 , an outer cylindrical collector electrode  522 , and the driver electrode  532  which is positioned within the collector electrode  522 . In one embodiment, the driver electrode  532  is circular in shape, and the system also includes another circular collector electrode  542  positioned within the circular driver electrode  532 , as shown in  FIG. 12A . Alternatively, the inner collector electrode  542  is not utilized in the electrode assembly  500 . It should be noted that the driver and/or collector electrode  522 ,  532  alternatively has a non-circular design. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly  500  includes a trailing electrode  514  positioned downstream of the collector electrode  532 , as shown in  FIG. 12A . In one embodiment, the trailing electrode  514  has a plurality of ion emitting pins  516  arranged axially about the center axis  99  and positioned downstream of the collector electrode  522 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12A , the trailing electrode  514  is shaped similarly to the emitter electrode  512 ; however, the trailing electrode is alternatively a wire or has a pointed triangular-shape. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the trailing electrode  514  is shown electrically connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source  440 . It is contemplated, however, that the trailing electrode  514  is alternatively connected to a separate high voltage source which controls the trailing electrode  514  independently of the collector, driver and emitter electrodes. More details regarding the trailing electrode are discussed in the (SHPR-01361USG) application which is incorporated by reference above.  
      The pins  504  of the ring emitter electrode  512  are electrically connected to the cylindrical body  502 , whereby the pins  504  emit ions when energized by the voltage source  440 . The emitter electrode  512  is shown electrically connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source  440 , although the emitter electrode  512  is alternatively grounded. The driver electrode  532  is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source  440  in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the driver electrode  532  is grounded. The collector electrodes  522 ,  542  are electrically connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source  440  in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the collector electrodes  522 ,  542  are grounded.  
      As shown in  FIG. 12A , the emitter electrode  512  preferably has a cylindrical body  502  with several pins  504  facing downstream and are arranged around the perimeter of the body  502 . In one embodiment, the pins  504  are directly attached to an inside surface of the device housing and are mounted on a body. It is preferred that the cylindrical body  502  is circular in shape such that the pins  504  are arranged radially around the perimeter of the circular body  502  and axially about the center axis  99 . Alternatively, the cylindrical body  502  is non-circular and has another shape (e.g. hexagonal, decagonal, oval,  FIG. 8 ), whereby the pins  504  are arranged axially about the center  99 . Considering that the pins  504  are arranged about the outer perimeter of the non-circular body  502 , the pins  504  are still arranged axially about the center  99  and have an overall shape consistent with the shape of the body  502 . For example only, an octagonal shaped body  502  having pins  504  arranged along the body&#39;s octagonal perimeter would have the pins  504  arranged axially about the center  99  and in an octagonal shape.  
      Air flowing through the electrode assembly  500  is preferably able to flow through the open area within the ring emitter electrode  512  and within the area between oppositely spaced pins  504 . In addition, air is able to flow outside the area within opposite spaced pins  504 . The axial arrangement of the pins  504  creates a more uniform ionization region and generally will driver more air to flow into the energy field of the ionization region.  
      The pins  504  are generally conical in one embodiment, wherein the pins  504  base, which is attached to the body  502 , that tapers toward an apex. Alternatively, the pins  504  each have a generally triangular, yet flat, wedge shape. In another embodiment, the pins  504  each have a wire with its insulation stripped off at the end facing downstream. In still another embodiment, the pins  504  each resemble the shape of a needle. The pins  504  each alternatively have a pyramidal shape. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the distal tip of the pins  504  can be somewhat rounded, rather than sharp. These are just a few exemplary shapes for the pins  504  and are not meant to be limiting. It should be noted that the emitter electrode  512  alternatively having a combination of differently shaped pins  504 .  
      The pin emitter electrode  512  can be made from metal, such as tungsten. Tungsten is sufficiently robust in order to withstand cleaning, has a high melting point to retard breakdown due to ionization, and has a rough exterior surface that seems to promote efficient ionization. However, the emitter electrode is made of any other appropriate material other than tungsten (e.g. carbon).  
      In one embodiment, the emitter electrode  512  is positioned such that the pins  504  are arranged coaxially with the collector electrode  522 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 12A , the emitter electrode  512  as well as the collector electrode  522  are centered along axis  99 . In one embodiment, the driver electrode  532  is also coaxial with the emitter and collector electrodes  512 ,  522 , whereby the driver electrode  532  is also centered about the axis  99 . In another embodiment, the collector electrode  542  is also coaxial with the other electrodes  512 ,  522 ,  532  about the axis  99 . In other embodiments, at least one of the emitter electrode  512 , collector electrodes  522 ,  542  and driver electrode  532  is positioned non-coincident with the other electrodes in the electrode assembly  500 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 12A , it is preferred that the opening of the ring emitter electrode  512  is smaller in dimension than the opening of the collector electrode  522 . For example only, in the embodiment having the circular emitter electrode  512  and the circular collector electrode  522 , the diameter of the emitter electrode  512  would be smaller in dimension than the diameter of the collector electrode  522 . In another embodiment, the opening of the ring emitter electrode  512  is larger in dimension than the opening of the collector electrode  522 . In yet another embodiment, the distance between opening of the ring emitter electrode  512  is equivalent in dimension to the opening of the collector electrode  522 . Alternatively, the opening of the ring emitter electrode  512  is equivalent in dimension to the opening of the driver electrode  532 .  
      Although one ring of pins  504  is shown axially arranged about the axis  99  in  FIG. 12C , the emitter electrode  512  alternatively includes a plurality of concentric emitter electrode rings  512  disposed about the axis  99 . In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 12B , the emitter electrode  612  includes one or more pins  508  positioned at or near the center of the body  502 . In one embodiment, the pin  508  is positioned in the center along the axis  99  of the emitter electrode  612  by a set of wires  610 . Although four wires  610  are shown in  FIG. 12B , any number of wires are alternatively contemplated. In another embodiment, the pin  508  is positioned within the body  502  by any other mechanism or means. The wires  610  are conductive and are connected to the body  502  ( FIG. 12B ) and/or the axially arranged pins  504  in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the wires  610  are electrically connected directly to the voltage source  440  ( FIG. 12A ). The wires  610 , when energized by the voltage source  440  ( FIG. 12A ) are also able to emit ions in the airflow stream through emitter electrode  612  and further generate the ionization region discussed above. In another embodiment, the wires  610  are insulated and do not emit ions in the airflow.  
       FIG. 12C  depicts force field lines present between the ring emitter electrode  512  and the collector and driver electrodes  522 ,  532 . It should be noted that some, and not all, of the force field lines are shown in  FIG. 12B  for clarity purposes. Upon the system being energized, the pins  504  emit ions to produce the ionization region which causes air to move in a downstream direction from the emitter electrode  512  to the collector electrode  522 . In addition, the several pins  504  increase the strength of the ionization region, since each pin  504  is preferably substantially equidistant from the front edge  506  of the collector electrode  522 . In addition, the increased number of pins  504  are arranged to allow the emitter electrode  512  to fit within a compact space of a housing while producing a more concentrated ionization region. The axial arrangement of the several pins  504  thus generate a substantially uniform and concentrated ionization region between the emitter and collector electrodes  512 ,  522 . This configuration increases the amount of ions produced in the air as well as the rate of airflow generated by the electrode assembly. Further, the ring emitter electrode  512  increases the particle ionizing efficiency due to the increased number and spacing of the pins  504 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12C , the electrode assembly  500  also includes a driver electrode  532 , which increases the particle collection efficiency of the collector electrode  522 . In addition, the driver electrode  532  reduces the percentage of particles that escape through the collector electrode  522  by pushing particles in air flow toward the inside surface  560  of the collector electrode  422 . As mentioned above, the driver electrode  532  is preferably insulated. Also, as stated above, the leading end (i.e., upstream end) of the driver electrode  532  is preferably set back (i.e., downstream) from the leading end of the collector electrode  522  by a distance that is about the same as the diameter of the ring collector electrode  522 . This is so the driver electrode  432  and the collector electrode  422  (i.e. the collecting region) does not interfere with the ionization region between the emitter electrode  412  and the collector electrode  422 .  
      Further, in one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12C , the electrode assembly  500  includes the inner collector electrode  542  positioned within the cylindrical driver electrode  532 . As with the outer collector electrode  522 , the position of the driver electrode  532  outside of the inner collector electrode  542  increases the particle collection efficiency of the entire electrode assembly  500 . This is due to the repelling effects caused by the electrical arrangement of the driver electrode  532  in relation to the collector electrodes  522 ,  542 . Thus, air entering the collecting region will flow through the area between the driver electrode  532  and the outer collector electrode  522  as well as the area between the driver electrode  532  and the inner collector electrode  542 , whereby the driver electrode  532  pushes ionized particles toward the outer and inner collector electrodes  522 ,  542 . This arrangement results in a significant increase in the particle collection efficiency of the electrode assembly  500 .  
      The inner collector electrode  542  is concentric with the outer collector electrode  522  about the axis  99 . In  FIGS. 12A and 12C , one inner collector electrode  542  is shown disposed within the outer collector electrode  522 . However, it is contemplated that any number of collector electrodes are concentrically arranged within the outer collector electrode  522 . The inner collector electrode  542  is designed to have the same length as the outer collector electrode  522 , as shown in  FIG. 12C . In another embodiment, the inner collector electrode  542  is a length dimension less than the length dimension of the outer collector electrode  522 . The length dimension is defined herein as the distance between the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the cylindrical electrode.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 13A , the above described air conditioner systems are likely within or include a free-standing housing  1202 . The housing likely includes one or more intake vents  1204 , one or more outlet vents  1206 , and a base pedestal  1208 . The housing  1202  can be upstandingly vertical and/or elongated. The base  1208  in  FIG. 13A , which may be pivotally mounted to the remainder of the housing  1202 , allows the housing  1202  to remain in a vertical position.  
      Internal to the housing  1202  is one of the air-conditioner systems described above. The air conditioner system is likely powered by an AC:DC power supply that is energizable or excitable using switch S 1 . Switch S 1 , along with the other user operated switches such as a control dial  1210 , are preferably located on or near a top  1203  of the housing  1202 . The whole system is self-contained in that other than ambient air, nothing is required from beyond the housing  1202 , except perhaps an external operating potential, for operation of the present invention.  
      There need be no real distinction between vents  1204  and  1206 , except their location relative to the electrodes. These vents serve to ensure that an adequate flow of ambient air can be drawn into or made available to the electrodes, and that an adequate flow of ionized cleaned air moves out from housing  1202 . The input and/or output vents  1204  and  1206  can be located in a grate, panel, or the like, which can be removed from the housing  1202 , to thereby provide access to the electrodes for cleaning. It is also possible that some or all of the electrodes can be removed from the housing  1202  to allow for cleaning of the electrode(s) to occur outside the housing  1202 .  
      The above described embodiments do not specifically include a germicidal (e.g., ultra-violet) lamp. However, it is contemplated that the germicidal lamp  1230  is located upstream from, downstream from and/or adjacent the electrodes, to destroy germs within the airflow. It is even possible that the lamp be located partially or fully within the interior of a ring electrode  422 , depending on the size of the ring electrode  422  and lamp  1230 . Although germicidal lamps are not shown in many of the above-described Figures, it should be understood that the germicidal lamp  1230  can be used in all embodiments of the present invention. Where the insulated driver electrode  432  is coated with an ozone-reducing catalyst, the ultra-violet radiation from the lamp  1230  may increase the effectiveness of the catalyst. The airflow from the emitter electrode  412  toward the collector electrode  422  is preferably electro-kinetically produced, in that there are no intentionally moving parts within unit. (Some mechanical vibration may occur within the electrodes). Additionally, because particles are collected on the collector electrodes  422 , the air in the room is cleared. Additional details of the inclusion of a germicidal lamp are included in U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,484, entitled “Electro-Kinetic Device with Enhanced Anti-Microorganism Capability,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,347, entitled “Electro-Kinetic Air Transporter and Conditioner Device with Enhanced Housing Configuration and Enhanced Anti-Microorganism Capability,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference.  
       FIG. 13B  illustrates a schematic of another embodiment of the device  1300  in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13B , the inlet  1304  is located near the bottom of the housing  1302 , and the outlet  1306  is located near the top of the housing  1302 . The electrodes  412 ,  422  and  432  are arranged within the housing  1302  to produce a vertical airflow from the inlet  1304  to the outlet  1306 . The germicidal lamp  1330  is positioned to the side of the electrodes  412 , 422 , 432  as shown in  FIG. 13B . However, the lamp  1330  is alternatively positioned elsewhere within the housing  1302  as stated above. Baffles  1308  near the top of the housing  1302  redirect the outgoing airflow in a generally horizontal direction. Depending on the electrode assembly shape and arrangement, the housing  1302  may be more elongated in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction. It would also be possible, if desired, to increase airflow through the device  1302  by adding a fan  1240 , as shown in  FIG. 13B . Even with a fan  1240 , the driver electrode  432  increases particle collecting efficiency.  
       FIG. 13C  illustrates a schematic of another embodiment of the device  1400  in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13C , the inlet  1404  is located near the bottom of the housing  1402 , and the outlet  1406  is located near the top of the housing  1402 . The electrodes  422 ,  512  and  532  are arranged within the housing  1402  to produce a vertical airflow from the inlet  1404  to the outlet  1406 . As with previous embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B  and  12 C, the pins  504  of the emitter electrode are preferably arranged in a circular shape. However, the pins  504  of the emitter electrode are alternatively arranged in any other shape. The germicidal lamp  1430  is positioned to the side of the electrodes  422 ,  512 ,  532  as shown in  FIG. 13C . Baffles  1408  near the top of the housing  1402  redirect the outgoing airflow in a generally horizontal direction.  
      As shown in  FIG. 13C , the ring-shaped emitter electrode  512  has the pins  504  in axial arrangement, as discussed above. In addition, the cylindrical collector electrode  422  has the cylindrical driver electrode  532  positioned within. In one embodiment, the second collector electrode  542  is positioned within the driver electrode  532 , although not necessarily. It is preferred that the housing  1402  includes the fan  1240  positioned downstream of the collector and driver electrodes  422 ,  532 .  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13C , air enters the housing  1402  through the inlet  1404 , wherein a portion of the air is drawn into the housing by the electrode assembly  500  and a portion is drawn by the fan  1240 . The air is ionized by the ring emitter electrode  512 , whereby the ionization field between the emitter electrode  512  and the collector electrode  422  is strong due to the axially arranged pins  504 . As stated above, the strong ionization field causes a higher amount of particles in the airflow to be ionized. The ionized air flows downstream toward the collector electrode  422 , whereby the air is exposed to the germicidal lamp  1330 . Alternatively, the housing  1402  does not include a germicidal lamp  1330  therein. The increased number of ionized particles in the air increases the particle collection efficiency of the collector electrodes  422  due to the stronger ionization field and the presence of the driver electrodes  532 . The stronger ionization field will also increase the airflow rate through the housing  1402 . In addition, the fan  1240  will increase the rate of airflow, whereby the air is output through the outlet  1406 .  
      The foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. 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. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention, the various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.