Claims
- 1. A non-contacting method of cleaning a web material having particles attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) passing the web material through an air gap being defined by a first surface over which the web material passes and is supported thereby, and a second surface spaced from the first surface;
- b) producing a corona discharge across the air gap by applying a voltage to the second surface to generate electrostatic forces on the web material and on the particles attached thereto so as to cause at least some of the particles to lift off the surface of the web material wherein the second surface and the web are not contacting; and
- c) removing the particles from the web material.
- 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the corona discharge is produced by an alternating voltage supply.
- 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein particles are removed from the web material by an air stream.
- 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the air stream is generated by suction.
- 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first surface and second surfaces is an insulating surface.
- 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the web material constitutes an insulating surface.
- 7. A non-contacting web cleaning apparatus comprising:
- a first surface over which a web material passes and is supported thereby;
- a second surface spaced from said first surface wherein an air gap is formed between the second surface and the web wherein the second surface and the web are not contacting;
- generator means for applying a voltage to the second surface to produce a corona discharge in the air gap; and
- means for removing the particles loosened by the corona discharge.
- 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces is an insulating surface.
- 9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the generator means is an alternating voltage supply.
- 10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for removing loosened particles is an air stream.
- 11. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for removing loosened particles includes suction means.
- 12. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the generator means operates at a frequency between 1 to 5 kHz.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
9003283 |
Feb 1990 |
GBX |
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Parent Case Info
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. U.S. 08/164,309, filed Dec. 8, 1993, now abandoned which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/920,489, filed as PCT/EP91/00283, Feb. 11, 1991, published as WO91/12095, Aug. 22, 1991 now abandoned.
US Referenced Citations (9)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
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472819 |
Aug 1975 |
SUX |
Continuations (2)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
164309 |
Dec 1993 |
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Parent |
920489 |
Aug 1992 |
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