Patent ID: 7360724

Claim:
An electrostatic nozzle apparatus, comprising: (a) a first plurality of nozzles physically arranged in a first bank of nozzles; (b) a second plurality of nozzles physically arranged in a second bank of nozzles; each nozzle in said first plurality of nozzles and said second plurality of nozzles comprising: a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, an internal channel between said fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and an internal electrode that is electrically charged to a predetermined first voltage magnitude, wherein said internal electrode is positioned proximal to said internal channel and imparts an electrical charge to at least a portion of a fluid moving through said internal channel; and an external electrode having a surface that is made of a substantially electrically conductive material, said external electrode being electrically charged to a predetermined second voltage magnitude, wherein said external electrode is positioned at an exit region of said moving fluid as the fluid passes through said fluid outlet; and (c) a separation electrode physically positioned between both said first and second banks of nozzles, said separation electrode being electrically charged to a predetermined third voltage magnitude.