A discharge device includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode that faces the discharge electrode in a first direction, and voltage application unit that applies an application voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a dome-shaped electrode having a recessed inner surface recessed to a side opposite to the discharge electrode in the first direction, and a protruding electrode that protrudes in a second direction intersecting the first direction from an opening edge of an opening of the dome-shaped electrode, the opening being provided at an end opposite to the discharge electrode. The discharge device forms a discharge path having at least partial dielectric breakdown between the discharge electrode and the protruding electrode, when the discharge occurs. The discharge path includes a first dielectric breakdown region generated around the discharge electrode and a second dielectric breakdown region generated around the protruding electrode.

A discharge device includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode that faces the discharge electrode in a first direction, and voltage application unit that applies an application voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a dome-shaped electrode having a recessed inner surface recessed to a side opposite to the discharge electrode in the first direction, and a protruding electrode that protrudes in a second direction intersecting the first direction from an opening edge of an opening of the dome-shaped electrode, the opening being provided at an end opposite to the discharge electrode. The discharge device forms a discharge path having at least partial dielectric breakdown between the discharge electrode and the protruding electrode, when the discharge occurs. The discharge path includes a first dielectric breakdown region generated around the discharge electrode and a second dielectric breakdown region generated around the protruding electrode.

A voltage application device includes a voltage application circuit. The voltage application circuit applies application voltage between discharge electrode and counter electrode which face each other with a clearance left from each other to generate a discharge. The voltage application device forms discharge path partially and dielectrically broken between discharge electrode and counter electrode when a discharge is generated. Discharge path includes first dielectric breakdown region formed around discharge electrode, and second dielectric breakdown region formed around counter electrode.

A mist-generating device includes: a droplet generating unit that generates, in a third liquid, a functional droplet including a first liquid that is spherical and a second liquid that covers an entirety of the first liquid and has a volatility lower than a volatility of the first liquid; and a mist-generating unit that generates a multilayer mist obtained by atomizing the third liquid containing the functional droplet.

A mist-generating device includes: a droplet generating unit that generates, in a third liquid, a functional droplet including a first liquid that is spherical and a second liquid that covers an entirety of the first liquid and has a volatility lower than a volatility of the first liquid; and a mist-generating unit that generates a multilayer mist obtained by atomizing the third liquid containing the functional droplet.

A system and method for shaping and/or directing a spray stream includes electrostatically charging a spray stream by exposing fluid to be sprayed to an electrical field within a fluid sprayer to create an electrostatically charged spray stream, and then creating an electrical field between secondary electrodes externally to the fluid sprayer such that the electrostatically spray stream is shaped and/or redirected as it passes through the electrical field.

A system and method for shaping and/or directing a spray stream includes electrostatically charging a spray stream by exposing fluid to be sprayed to an electrical field within a fluid sprayer to create an electrostatically charged spray stream, and then creating an electrical field between secondary electrodes externally to the fluid sprayer such that the electrostatically spray stream is shaped and/or redirected as it passes through the electrical field.

The present disclosure describes systems and methods to provide electrode cooling for material surface treatment systems. A cooling fluid is employed to cool electrodes with a high voltage applied. For example, a conduit conveys a cooling fluid through the electrode, as the conduit also provides electrification for the electrode by being connected to an electrical power source. Further, cooling is implemented by use of a voltage isolator disposed between the conduit and a reservoir, with the voltage isolator providing a pathway to a reference voltage for residual electric charge from the cooling fluid passing through the voltage isolator.

Voltage application device includes voltage application circuit. Voltage application circuit causes discharge electrode to generate a discharge by applying an application voltage to load that includes discharge electrode holding liquid. Voltage application circuit periodically changes a magnitude of the application voltage to generate a discharge intermittently. Voltage application circuit applies a maintaining voltage to load for suppressing contraction of liquid in addition to the application voltage during an intermittent period from a discharge to a next discharge.

Voltage application device includes voltage application circuit. Voltage application circuit causes discharge electrode to generate a discharge by applying an application voltage to load that includes discharge electrode holding liquid. Voltage application circuit periodically changes a magnitude of the application voltage to generate a discharge intermittently. Voltage application circuit applies a maintaining voltage to load for suppressing contraction of liquid in addition to the application voltage during an intermittent period from a discharge to a next discharge.