US Patent 7589949 Fluid assisted emitter tip and method

An emitter tip for a corona discharge device. The emitter tip comprises an elongated body with a tapered end. The body defines a central passage and the tapered end defines a tip passage in fluid communication with the central passage. A method is provided for controlling electrostatic charge comprising providing a voltage source; providing a pressurized fluid source; connecting the emitter tip to the voltage source and to the fluid source; passing the fluid through the emitter tip; and electrically energizing the emitter tip.