PORTABLE ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYER APPARATUS

Cross-Reference To Related Application

[001] This application claims priority from US provisional patent application 63/143,888 filed January 31 , 2021 , the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention generally relates to the field of electrostatic sprayer apparatuses. Specifically, the present invention relates to a portable electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is using a contactless electrical connection to a user.

Background of the invention

[002] Cordless electrostatic sprayer apparatuses are used to spray various materials in a liquid form onto a surface. The electrostatic sprayer apparatus is electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into a mist or a spray that can be directed to surfaces or other objects.

[003] It is known to be used to apply paint and other substances with great accuracy and precision, thus resulting in a rather even coverage in addition to reduce waste application fluid. Handheld electrostatic sprayer apparatuses are generally powered with a battery and current return path of the handheld electrostatic sprayer cannot be made via an electric connection to the electric grid.

[004] In industrial applications, the sprayers are used in a fixed environment and are thus corded and/or air-assisted using a hose. In recent years, a new category of electrostatic sprayer has been developed to be used in health and commercial environments to apply chemical solutions for cleaning and disinfection and also for cosmetic purposes. In this other setting, it is highly desirable to have a portable or cordless device to be able to work freely and treat all areas of a building or facility without having to drag a cord or an air hose. However, as indicated above, a cordless electrostatic sprayer is powered from a battery source and thus, it cannot be grounded via an electric connection to the electric grid. For sprayers using monopolar charging (only one polarity to charge the mist, e.g., positive charging), the current return path of the device is essential to charge the mist. An electrical current must flow between the mist and the earth in order to charge the mist. Without a cord connected to the grid, the current return path of the electrostatic sprayer raises challenges.

[005] To address this challenge, the user of the portable electrostatic sprayer can be used as an electrical connection between the electrostatic sprayer and the earth (floor). When the user is contacting the current return wire of the high voltage generator charging the mist, then the body of the user becomes a conductive path for the current to flow from the generator to the ground (floor). In so doing, the user and the generator current return wire can possess a high potential difference. If the user is activating the sprayer and for a moment stops contacting the high voltage current return wire (ex: repositioning its fingers on the device’s handle to increase comfort), an electrical discharge between the high voltage current return wire usually located on handle and user hand will be produced. This leads to discomfort and worry that another discharge can occur. This arc can be seen on other existing cordless/portable electrostatic sprayer using direct physical/electrical contact between the handle’s conductive part connected to the high voltage generator and the user’s hand or body. As soon as the user lose direct physical contact with the conductive part electrically connected to the generator, a high voltage arc forms between the user skin and conductive part.

[006] Furthermore, a portable electrostatic sprayer is usually a handheld kind of device. Consequently, in order to make an electrical connection between the user’s body and the high voltage generator, the user must grasp a conductive part with its hand holding the device. Such conductive part needs to protrude from the comfortable handle grip and will usually be made from a metallic part grasped by the hand of the user. This can lead to reduced comfort for the user especially during long hours of work after which the user is more likely to frequently replace its fingers in contact with the device and receive electrical discharges.

[007] It is therefore desirable to provide current return path to the handheld electrostatic sprayer in a manner preventing a noticeable electrical discharge with the user while increasing user comfort.

[008] Besides, a metal part protruding from a surface creates joint lines or gaps all around the metallic part. Cracks and joint lines are an ideal place for bacteria or viruses to gather and grow especially on the device’s handle where the hand of the user is frequently touching. It is thus highly desirable to reduce the number of gaps and the associated potential risk of cross contamination for a tool that is meant for hygiene and disinfection.

Summary of the invention [009] The present invention includes many aspects and features. The aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are realized by generally providing an electrostatic sprayer apparatus and method of use thereof.

[0010] Among other aspects and objects, the present invention is providing a touchless electrical coupling between a portable electrostatic sprayer and a user thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the handheld electrostatic sprayer is equipped with a handle adapted to be grasped and held by a user. In an alternate embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer can be in contact with the user via an arm support in contact with the arm of the user. The handle is equipped with an internal conductive layer connected to a high voltage generator. The conductive layer is covered with an electrically insulative layer of materials to produce an electric field between the conductive layer and the skin of a user without direct electrical connection with the user.

[0011] One aspect of the invention provides in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is progressively establishing a contactless electrical coupling with a user.

[0012] One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is using a capacitor portion to provide a current return path to the apparatus without direct electrical contact with a user.

[0013] One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is using a series of superposed materials including a conductive material superposed with an insulative material to create a capacitor portion to electrically couple the high voltage generator to the user’s body without direct electrical contact between the apparatus and the user.

[0014] One other aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that provides a capacitive portion that ensures a minimal level of electrical coupling between the user’s body and the apparatus in all conditions, including when the user is repositioning its hand and take on the device for improved comfort (ex: replacing fingers on the handle). A minimal electrical coupling prevents the capacitive portion to form an electrical discharge between the apparatus and the user’s body.

[0015] One other aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus designed to establishing electrical coupling of the apparatus’ high voltage generator not using direct conduction with a user.

[0016] One other aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus including a handle constructed with a conductive material that is over molded with an insulating material, the insulating material being adapted to be gripped by a user to create an electric field coupling. The structural handle itself can be made of the conductive material covered with a single layer of insulating material with a two-material layers construction. Alternatively, additional layers can be added without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0017] One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus including a plastic handle coated with a conductive material electrically connected to the current return wire of the high voltage generator inside the apparatus with an additional layer of insulating material over it.

[0018] One other aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is including a plastic handle that is chemically or mechanically including or holding a metallic or polymer conductive part that is electrically connected to the high voltage generator inside the apparatus and covered with an insulative material to distance the conductive part and the user’s skin from one another.

[0019] Another one of the aspects of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is including a handle including a conductive component that is entirely covered with an insulating material distancing the conductive component from the user for obtaining the capacitive effect. Put differently, the sprayer apparatus including a conductive handle structure connected to the high voltage generator is fully covered with an insulating material grasped by the user for capacitively providing a current return path through the user and an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is including an conductive handle structure connected to the high voltage generator is partially covered with an insulating material grasped by the user for leaving a direct airgap with the conductive handle structure.

[0020] One additional aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an electrostatic sprayer apparatus that is including a plastic handle coated with a conductive material having a generally even thickness preventing electric field concentration thereof.

[0021] In a first embodiment of the invention, the sprayer apparatus is equipped with a monopolar generator to charge the mist. A monopolar generator could positively or negatively charge the mist. Monopolar generators are easy to develop and low cost but pose certain problems in electrostatic sprayers. First, since the device is always spraying a mist of the same charge (ex: positive charge), the sprayed environment gets charged, an electric field is built between the environment and the user and an induced charge is accumulated on the person holding the sprayer. The accumulation of induced charges thereof can cause electrical shocks to the users or any person touching the charged objects. The electrical shocks are not dangerous but are certainly unpleasant. Second, the accumulation of electrical charges in an environment equipped with electronic devices pose a risk of damage to the equipment as electronics is sensitive to static discharges.

[0022] Moreover, a monopolar generator poses extra problems and limitations in a portable electrostatic sprayer. As opposed to corded sprayers, portable electrostatic sprayers are not grounded to the outlet, the user body serves as an electrical path between the sprayer and the ground (floor) to circulate a current necessary to charge the mist. Corded sprayers can always rely on a solid ground to ensure the current is circulating. In portable electrostatic sprayers, the electrical coupling between the user and the floor will vary depending on the shoes worn by the user among other less important factors. If the user is wearing highly electrically isolating shoes, then the electrical coupling between the user and the floor will be weak and the current will hardly circulate. The user will then accumulate electrical charges and is likely to take a static discharge on a grounded object which is unpleasant. Also, when the current stops circulating to the ground, the electrostatic effect on the monopolar apparatus stops working and the benefits of electrostatic are lost.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the sprayer apparatus is equipped with a bipolar generator. A bipolar generator in a cordless electrostatic sprayer will bring major benefits and solve the problems and limitations posed by the monopolar generator. A bipolar generator will alternatively charge the mist, that is alternating between positive and negative charging with a given switching frequency. Since the environment will be sprayed by both positive and negative mist, the net electrical charge will be neutral and thus people cannot take electrical discharges on any objects. Also, a net neutral charge will not pose any risks to the electronic equipment present in the environment. Typically, an oscillating frequency between positive charge and negative charge of 1 Hz is efficient to avoid the positive clouds of the mist to neutralize with the negative clouds of the mist. Other such frequencies can be used with the same benefits. At some given switching frequency, the user can never get charged at very high voltage (ex: >3000V). When the polarity changes, the high voltage current will reverse and first discharge the user before charging him in the opposite polarity. This embodiment will bring significant advantages compared to the monopolar generator, where the user is isolated from the floor and where this user will keep charging until charged at high potential (ex: as high as 6000V for a 7000V generator).

[0024] The bipolar module could have a fixed switching frequency controlled by an autonomous oscillating circuit or use a microcontroller to control the switching frequency at will depending on the use application or the environmental conditions. The microcontroller controlled bipolar module could be equipped with a feedback loop to measure the high voltage circulating current to estimate the level of electrical coupling between the user and the floor. When the current is circulating, it means the user has a good electrical coupling with the floor. If the high voltage current is low or absent, it means the current cannot flow between the user and the floor and thus the user is isolated from the floor. In such case, the user body will be charged much faster on each polarity. To avoid the user body to charge at too high voltage, the switching frequency can be increased so that the charging time is short enough to avoid the user to charge over 2000V (voltage at which humans can feel an electrical discharge).

[0025] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a front-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a rear-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 is a front-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a front-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer, with a left portion of a housing removed, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 is a front-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer, with a left portion of a casing removed, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of a portable electrostatic sprayer in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 is a rear-left isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer with a portion of the handle with partially stripped layers of material, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 is a rear elevational magnified view of a portable electrostatic sprayer in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention; [0035] Figure 9 is a right-side elevational side view of a portable electrostatic sprayer, with its right casing portion removed, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 is an isometric view of a display portion of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 is a left elevational view, with opened casing, of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 is an isometric view of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 is a front-left isometric view of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 is an isometric view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 is a side elevation section view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 is a side elevation section view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 is a side elevation section view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19A is a side elevation section view of a portion of the tank interface of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 19B is a left side elevation section view of internal components of the reservoir of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 20 is an isometric view of internal components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 21 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 22 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 23 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention; [0051] Figure 24 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 25 is an isometric exploded view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 26 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 27 is an isometric view of internal valve components of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 28 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 29 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 30 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 31 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 32 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 33 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 34 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 35 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 36 is an isometric view of a nozzle receiver of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 37 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a first assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 38 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a second assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 39 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a third assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 40 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a fourth assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention; [0068] Figure 41 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a fifth assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 42 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer in a sixth assembly step, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 43 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 44 is an isometric view of a portion of the nozzle of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 45 is an isometric view of a nozzle of a portion of the portable electrostatic sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 46 is an isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer with an alternate tool, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 47 is an isometric view of a portable electrostatic sprayer with an alternate tool, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 48 is a flow chart of an exemplary method to manage an empty tank, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 49 is a flow chart of an exemplary method to manage a tank replacement, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 50 is a flow chart of an exemplary method to manage an empty tank, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 51 is an electric diagram of the portable electro-static sprayer, in accordance with principles and embodiments of the present invention of.

Detailed Description

[0079] As a preliminary matter, it will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is Considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention discloses herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosing herein and fall within the scope of what is regarded as the invention. [0080] Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. II is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0081] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0082] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean bases on the contextual use of such term herein. T o the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[0083] With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase "means for” or "step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory Provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element with regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once during performance of the claimed method.

[0084] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a” and "an” each generally denotes "at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple” describes "a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as "a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket having a single apple” describes "a picnic basket having only one apple.” [0085] When used herein to join a list of items, "or” denotes "at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes "a picnic basket having cheese without crackers.” " a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and "a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” When used herein to join a list of items, "and” denotes "all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes "a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”.

[0086] Referring the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its Implementations, or uses. Hence, a novel electrostatic sprayer apparatus will be described herein after.

[0087] An electrostatic sprayer 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 throughout Figure 5. The electrostatic sprayer 10 is including a housing 14, a removable fluid-containing reservoir 18, a removable battery 22, a handle 26 and a trigger 30 for selectively operating the electrostatic sprayer 10. The electrostatic sprayer 10 is further including a pivotable nozzle 34 offering a plurality of operating positions when rotated about the spray axis 36 and a light 38 for improving visibility of the targeted region. The electrostatic sprayer 10 is designed with a bottom portion 42 designed to rest on a flat surface and a general design balancing the weight of the electrostatic sprayer 10 having the reservoir 18 on an upper side thereof, the pump 98 and the battery 22 disposed substantially centered with the handle to balance the weight of the sprayer 10. As best seen in Figure 2, the electrostatic sprayer 10 is including a series of buttons 46 disposed on the housing 14 for selecting a desired operating mode of the electrostatic sprayer 10. For instance, the series of buttons and indicators 46 can include a locked mode selector 50 where all functions of the sprayers are locked including the activation of the pump where no liquid can exit the nozzle 34, an electrostatic on/off selector 54 actuating or not the polarization of the fluid to be sprayed on the object, a rinse function selector 58 for rinsing the internal pipes of the electrostatic sprayer 10 with cleaning agent like water, and a light indicator warning the user when the reservoir 18 needs to be filled 62. It can be appreciated the housing 14 is manufactured in two parts 14.1 and 14.2, each representing a half of the housing 14.

[0088] Figure 3 is illustrating a semi-exploded view of the main components of the electrostatic sprayer 10 in accordance with embodiments thereof. The reservoir 18 can be vertically lifted 66 to disconnect from the housing 14 and simultaneously disconnect from a corresponding fluid outlet-receiver 84 (seen in Figure 4) for being replaced or refilled. The reservoir 18 is including a removable lid 74 for filling the reservoir 18 with a fluid. The lid 74 is located in front of the reservoir 18 and is including a duck bill valve 78 allowing air intake in the reservoir 18 when the liquid in the reservoir 18 is drawn and pulverized by the electrostatic sprayer 10. The duck bill valve 78 could be placed in another location on the reservoir 18 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The reservoir 18 is further equipped with an outlet portion 82 from which the fluid in the reservoir 18 is drawn for use, the outlet portion 82 is preferably disposed on a lower portion of the reservoir 18 for collecting all the fluid in the reservoir 18 and also for engaging with the corresponding outlet-receiver 84 in the electrostatic sprayer 10.

[0089] Internal components of the electrostatic sprayer 10 can be appreciated from Figure 4 where a portion of the housing 14 has been removed. Some more components are now visible, and one can appreciate a high-voltage generator 86 for producing the required potential difference to electrically charge the fluid to be sprayed, a solenoid 90 for actuating an open/close or main recirculation control valve 94, and a pump 98 for circulating the fluid and increasing the pressure of the fluid to an operating level in the electrostatic sprayer 10. A fluid collection pipe 102 is interconnecting the fluid outlet receiver adaptor 84 and the reservoir 18 to the pump 98. The fluid reaching the pump 98 from the fluid collection pipe 102 is circulating back to the reservoir 18 via a return pipe 106 selectively opened with the open/close control valve 94. The pumped fluid cannot return back to the reservoir 18 via the return pipe 106 when the open/close control valve 94 is closed. The pumped fluid is rather channelled through a discharge pipe 110 connected to the nozzle 34 despite the restriction created by the nozzle 34 hence increasing substantially the fluid pressure to pulverize the fluid out of the nozzle 34. The fluid can circulate without much restriction between the pump 98 and the reservoir 18 when the valve 94 is open and, alternatively, the fluid can circulate between the reservoir 18 and the nozzle 34 with increased pressure generated by the pump 98 when the valve 94 is closed. A switch 114 is also visible in the handle 26 and is adapted to be actuated with the trigger 30. An electronic board 118 is visible over the pipes in the electrostatic sprayer 10 in Figure 5.

[0090] Moving now to Figure 6 illustrating a view of the handle 26 portion of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The electrostatic sprayer 10 is embodying a contactless electrical coupling between the electrostatic sprayer 10 and the user. The contactless electrical coupling is avoiding direct electrical connection with the user of the electrostatic sprayer 10 to provide a current return path to the electrostatic sprayer 10 when the latter is electrostatically charging the mist. A conductor connected with the high voltage generator 86 is built in the handle 26. Its electrical potential is opposite to the charge electrode portion 436 further described, also connected to the high voltage generator 86. Thus, it produces a high potential difference between the handle and the hand of the user when the user is electrically coupled to the floor. In doing so, the handle 26 of the electrostatic sprayer 10 is using a capacitive structure. The contactless current return path of forming a capacitive portion is helpful to prevent possible electric shocks, or sparks, when the user contacts the handle 26 when the electrostatic sprayer 10 is charged with electrical potential. [0091] Capacitive coupling is the transfer of energy between the high voltage generator 86 and the user by means of displacement current between the user and the generator 86. The displacement current is generated by an electric field formed across the handle to the body of the user through an electrically insulative layer made of e.g., TPE, having a high permittivity located between the charged conductive layer connected to the generator’s high voltage generator 86 and the oppositely charged user’s body. This is achieved with the handle 26 being embodied with a series of layers of materials adapted to create a capacitive structure with the user body, hence creating a capacitive handle 26 to electrically couple the electrostatic sprayer 10 with the user.

[0092] As best seen in Figure 7, a portion of the handle 26 has been partially stripped from its layers of materials to allow therein improved visibility. The handle 26 is using the casing 14 of the electrostatic sprayer 10 as base structure, the casing 14 being made of plastic thus forming a non-conductive base layer 130. One can appreciate that the casing 14 is used in the illustrated embodiment although a distinct non-conducting structure connected to the casing 14 could reach the desired result without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the handle 26 itself can include a conductive material and be directly act as the conductive part of the assembly with an additional layer of insulating material in a two-material construction. Returning back to Figure 7, a conductive layer 134 connected to the high voltage generator 86 is added over the non-conductive base layer 130 and the conductive layer 134 is covered with an insulating usercontacting layer 138 that is desirably providing a good grip for the user. The conductive layer 134 can be embodied with an additional over molded layer of conductive material, or a coating layer that is sprayed/applied on top of the non-conductive layer 130, as embodied with the illustrated electrostatic sprayer 10. An even and uniform thickness of conductive layer 134 (without mounts or higher points) is preferably used to create an even electrical potential over the whole surface of the conductive layer in order to avoid concentrating the electrical field in certain points which would lead to increased chances of forming an electrical arc between the conductor layer and the user’s body. The present embodiment depicted in Figure 7 is using a brushed sprayed coating 134 of conductive material over the existing casing 14.

[0093] It can be appreciated from the magnified portion of the handle 26 in Figure 8, that the casing 14 includes a left portion 14.1 and a right portion 14.2 joint in the center of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The left portion 14.1 is depicted in Figure 8 with all the layers of materials thereon and the right portion 14.2 is illustrated with the various levels of layers of materials partially peeled off for illustrative purposes. The insulating user-contacting layer 138 is completely removed from the right portion 14.2. The conductive layer 134 is partially removed to allow viewing the underlying non-conductive casing base layer 130 in Figure 8. As depicted in Figure 8, the junction can be designed to leave a small distance therebetween 146 to potentially allow induction to occur between the conductive layer 134 and the user’s hand. A slight hair-thin space 146 would likely be sufficient to potentially allow induction to happen. Alternatively, a dedicated void 146, or space, designed between the left casing portion 14.1 and the right casing portion 14.2, can be formed in the handle 26 to provide a predetermined gap between the left casing portion 14.1 and the right casing portion 14.2. Conversely, the conductive layer 134 is entirely covered by the insulating user-contacting layer 138 for the capacitive handle 26 to work properly, thus preventing any direct conduction with the user, as previously illustrated in Figure 6. One can appreciate from Figure 6 that the junction region 142, where the left casing portion 14.1 and the right casing portion 14.2 are mating thus providing a fully closed insulating layer 138 to exclusively get a capacitive structure to allow capacitive electrical coupling to occur.

[0094] Figure 9 is showing the electrostatic sprayer 10 with a section of the right casing portion 14.2 removed for better visibility. A portion of the conductive layer 134 is removed to improve visibility of the different layers that are part of the structure so that one can appreciate an exemplary remaining portion of the conductive layer 134 is electrically joined, using a connector 150, with a wire or conductor 154 that is connected to the high voltage generator 86. In so doing, the high voltage generator 86 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 134 so that the conductive layer 134 reaches the opposite high electrical potential of the charge electrode 436 charging the mist. The potential on the conductive layer 134 can thereafter create a capacitive effect with the user. The portion of the conductive layer 134 that is electrically linked to the connector 150 with the conductor 154 is covered with the insulating user-contacting layer 138 to prevent direct electrical conduction between the electrostatic sprayer 10 and the user. Among other visible things, the switch 158 used to actuate the electrostatic sprayer 10 can also be appreciated from Figure 9.

[0095] The series of buttons, selectors and/or indicators 46 are illustrated in a magnified fashion in Figure 10. A locked mode selector 50 is accompanied with corresponding locked indicator 170 when the electrostatic sprayer 10 is electronically prevented to activate when it is not intended to be used, for instance between tank refills or when the spray nozzle is removed. The locked mode 50 presented in the embodiment is using an electronic signal/state to block the electrostatic sprayer 10 although a mechanical mechanism, not illustrated, could be used without departing from the scope of this description. The electrostatic on/off selector 54 is accompanied with corresponding lightning indicator 174 to warn the user of the selected electrostatic sprayer 10 working state. The rinse function selector 58 is accompanied with corresponding rinse indicator 178 and is activating an automatic rinse function configured to rinse the internal pipe system of the electrostatic sprayer 10 with water, or another appropriated fluid, to flush (or rinse off) remaining chemicals in the electrostatic sprayer 10 when it is not used. Flushing the internal pipe system is also useful when different types of fluids are used sequentially to prevent undesired mix of fluids that might cause adverse reactions. The automatic rinse function is flushing the electrostatic sprayer 10 for a predetermined period of time long enough to entirely flush the electrostatic sprayer 10. An optional flush accessory, not illustrated, can be secured at the end of the pivotable nozzle 34 to capture and direct the flushed fluid in a desired direction, in a sink or a receiving container. The empty tank indicator 62 is disposed at a lower position for warning the user when the tank 18 is empty, or almost empty. The empty tank indicator 62 can be used in conjunction with a fast-priming system using a signal triggered when air begins to be sensed in the system. As soon as air is detected in the pump, the sprayer automatically stops to prevent pumping more air in the system and prevent requiring a long and complete air bleeding of the internal pipe system for proper operation of the liquid pump 98 of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The presence of air in the system is detected with pump 98 current variations measurement. The liquid circuit’s pressure can also be accurately estimated by the microcontroller measuring the pump current. The pump current is directly related to the motor torque and the motor torque is directly related to the pressure level in the liquid circuit. A sensor, not illustrated, capable of sensing air or the absence of liquid in the internal pipe system can also be used. Alternatively, a pressure sensor could be used to identify pressure variations when air is in the internal pipe system. Flowcharts illustrating exemplary working are going to be provided below.

[0096] Measuring the pressure in the liquid circuit is very useful for the sprayer in order to use a common and commercially available pump to avoid using an expansive custom designed pump. First, sensing pressure can be used to protect the pump and the liquid circuit from overpressure if for instance a nozzle is blocked by a particle. If overpressure is sensed, the microcontroller can lower the power sent to the motor using a PWM (pulse width modulator) to reduce the system pressure. Pressure sensing is also useful to let the microcontroller adjust the power of the pump to raise or lower the pressure on the nozzles at will. Finally, pressure sensing is useful to adjust the power depending on the nozzle resistance. For instance, if a nozzle is more resistive (small flow), the system pressure raises at a given power level. If the nozzle is less resistive (higher flow), the pressure drops. The power modulation let the sprayer set the pressure at a desired level in many different working conditions such as using a highly resistive nozzle for fine and low flow misting, a higher flow nozzle for wetter application and even using multi nozzle accessories connected to the sprayer (very high flow).

[0097] Figure 11 is a magnified view of a bottom portion 180 of the tank 18 where it is possible to appreciate a magnet 184 secured thereto to be used in cooperation with hall effect sensor, not illustrated in Figure 11 , to signal to the electrostatic sprayer 10 when the tank 18 is properly positioned and secured in the electrostatic sprayer 10 to prevent returning liquid to the tank 18 when the tank 18 is absent. Indeed, the tank 18 is removable from the electrostatic sprayer 10 in a generally vertical movement to engage and disengage a tank outlet 192 from a corresponding tank receiver 188. The tank receiver 188 is a component configured to interact with the internal pipe system to direct a fluid intake 196, connected to the fluid return pipe 106, and a fluid outtake 200, connected to the fluid collection pipe 102, with the tank 18. The fluid return pipe 106 is used in conjunction with the control valve 94, which is going to be explained in further details below, to rapidly purge air from the system (fast pump priming) with a bypass return to the tank 18, thus preventing to slowly purge air from the system by extracting air by pressurizing the fluid through the small restrictive openings of the nozzle 34. As best seen in Figures 12 throughout Figure 14, the tank outlet 192 is designed with a cylindrical opening equipped with a “O” ring 204 for a sealed engagement with the tank receiver 188 to prevent fluid to flow out of the circuit and to help the pump build the vacuum force in order to displace the liquid from the tank 18 to the collection pipe 102. The fluid intake 196 is passing through an intermediate portion 208 covering an internal pipe section 212 of the fluid intake 196. The intermediate portion 208 of the tank receiver 188 is sized and designed to provide an opening 216 therein allowing fluid passage around the internal pipe section 212 to let the fluid in the tank 18 be drained through the fluid outlet 200 while allowing the fluid inlet 196 to be concurrently channeled to the tank 18. The intermediate portion 208, in conjunction with the design of the opening 216 and the internal pipe section 212, is helping preventing air that could be carried by the fluid returning to the tank 18 via the internal pipe section 212 to be drawn by the fluid outtake 200 and recirculated in the system. This is preventing to recirculate air, or other fumes or gas, in the fluid taken from the tank 18. As best seen in Figure 14, the tank receiver 188 is used to channel the fluid from and to the tank 18 so that the internal configuration of the flow paths is permitting simultaneous opposite fluid flows therein in a compact configuration and a single fluid coupling connection. In so doing, the tank receiver 188 is including an internal plug 220 circumventing the internal pipe section 212 inside the tank receiver 188 to define the flow path in a desirable way using a plurality of fluid passages 224 communicating with the fluid outtake 200 via a filter portion 232 that can be embodied as a mesh material. Other configurations of one or more passages 224 through the internal plug 220 remain within the scope of the invention despite not illustrated. The internal plug 220 is embodied with a slide fit assembly with the tank receiver 188, further sealed with an “O” ring. A centering ring 228 is configured and positioned in a cooperating manner with the intermediate portion 208 to set the axial location and perpendicular alignment of the internal plug 220 to allow fluid passage in the two directions without obstructing the fluid outtake 200. Turning now to Figure 15 throughout Figure 19B depicting the assembly of the tank 18 with the tank receiver 188. The internal portion 238 of the bottom portion 180 of the tank 18 is visible in Figure 15 to see the internal components. A valve mechanism 242 is disposed at the bottom portion 180 of the tank 18 to close and seal the tank 18 upon disengagement of the tank 18 with the tank receiver 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve mechanism 242 is press fitted in the tank outlet 192 to seal the tank outlet 192. As best seen in Figure 16, the valve mechanism 242 includes an angled portion 246 and a gasket 248 designed to mate with a pivotable lid 250 pivotally connected with a pivot mechanism 254 to close the opening. The pivotable lid 250 is opening toward the interior of the tank 18 to be actuated by the internal pipe section 212 and to keep closed with the help of a torsion spring 256 and pressure from the fluid in the tank 18 when the tank 18 is disengaged. It can be appreciated from Figure 16 the internal pipe section 212 is extending above the upper edge 258 of the tank receiver 188 to engage with the pivotable lid 250 when the tank 18 is moved down in the electrostatic sprayer 10 and is secured with the tank receiver 188. Figure 17 and Figure 18 are illustrating the tank 18 engaged with the tank receiver 188 in an operating configuration 262 allowing fluid transfer with the electrostatic sprayer 10. The engagement of the tank outlet 192 with the tank receiver 188 is progressively made and the O-ring 204 is located in a position to seal the tank outlet 192 with the tank receiver 188 prior to the internal pipe section 212 contacting and opening the pivotable lid 250 against the torsion spring 256 bias. This is preventing undesirable leak of the fluid contained in the tank 18 in the process of assembling the tank 18 with the electrostatic sprayer 10 and to ensure a vacuum force can be created by the pump 98 action to displace liquid from the tank to the collection pipe 102. As it can be appreciated, the vertical movement of the tank 18 is sealing the assembly and actuating the pivotable lid 250 to allow the fluid in the tank 18 to flow around the internal pipe section 212 through the opened valve mechanism 242 and internal plug 220 to the outtake 200. Conversely, the fluid pumped through the fluid intake 196 is moving toward the tank 18 through the internal plug 220 and the internal pipe section 212 to reach the tank 18. It can be noted that, when purging air from the system using a two-way liquid displacement system in such a restricted space, air bubbles expelled from the fluid intake 196 could be sucked back to the pump 98 via the suction of fluid passages 224 or the collection pipe 102. The embodied structure, with the internal pipe section 212 extending further upward in the tank 18, is going to release air possibly contained in the returning fluid higher and centered in the bottom portion 180 of the tank 18. This is preventing air that returns back in the tank 18 to be mixed with the fluid and drawn back in the system with the fluid drawn in the downstream flow toward the fluid outtake 200. Figure 19B is illustrating the electrostatic sprayer 10 in a configuration pointing the nozzle 34 upward from the horizontal. The fluid 16 in the reservoir 18 is naturally flowing downward in a rear portion 20 of the reservoir 18 under gravity, which would prevent the fluid 16 to reach the tank receiver 188 to be pumped and sprayed if the reservoir 18 is not filled sufficiently to reach that level when the electrostatic sprayer 10 is in the configuration pointing the nozzle 34 upward from the horizontal. An internal retaining wall 24, best seen in Figure 19B, is projecting inside the reservoir 18 to retain a reserve volume of fluid 16 separated by the internal retailing wall next to the tank receiver 188 to ensure the fluid reaches the tank receiver 188 to prevent pumping air and remain functional to pump fluid for a period of time when the electrostatic sprayer 10 is used in an inclined position. The internal retaining wall 24 is illustratively moulded with the reservoir 18, although an additional partition could be used in the reservoir 18, and projecting from a portion of the reservoir wall next to the tank receiver 188, although other configurations adapted to reach the same result remain within the scope of the present invention. For instance, a plurality of internal wall sections or the addition of baffles or other means to control the location of the fluid in the reservoir 18 with respect to the angle of the electrostatic sprayer 10 could be embodied in the reservoir 18. This simple configuration is practical because it avoids complex mechanical systems or the use of liners inside the tank. Besides, if the user needs to spray upwards, in most applications, the upward spray time is short enough so that the user will resume spraying horizontally or downwards before the reserve is emptied. This ensures that the reserve is refilled periodically so that the user can work freely without the need to care about refilling the reserve. In some special cases where the user needs to spray upwards for longer periods of time, the user simply needs to periodically tilt the sprayer downward (even slightly) to refill the reserve. This can be done in about 2 seconds. Depending on which nozzle is selected, the continuous upward spray time between refills can vary from 10 seconds to 40 seconds giving long periods of upward spray time.

[0098] As illustrated in Figure 20, the electrostatic sprayer 10 is including a pump 98 for circulating and pressurizing the fluid to be sprayed. The pump 98 is pumping fluid from the reservoir 18 through the fluid collection pipe 102 and is circulating the fluid out of the pump outlet 268 where the fluid can be channelled in two directions using the discharge pipe 110. The discharge pipe 110 is including two possible directions, a first direction 110.1 of the discharge pipe 110 is connecting the pivotable nozzle 34 and a second direction 110.2 of the discharge pipe 110 is used to recirculate the fluid toward the reservoir 18. The second direction 110.2 is channeling the fluid to the fluid return pipe 106 via the open/close control valve 94 that is selectively allowing the fluid to circulate to the fluid return pipe 106 and the reservoir 18. The fluid is pressurized by the pump 98 and pushed toward the pivotable nozzle 34 with high pressure when the valve 94 is in its closed state. In contrast, the fluid is much less pressurized by the pump 98 when the valve 94 is in its opened state because the fluid is going to use the unrestricted fluid return pipe 106 instead than the first direction 110.1 of the discharge pipe toward the nozzle 34, which is acting as a restriction to increase the pressure in the fluid. Still in reference to Figure 20 throughout Figure 25, the valve 94 is actuated with the solenoid 90 that is translating an actuation member 272 connecting a magnet holder 276 including a magnet 300 therein. The magnet holder 276 and the magnet 280 are circumventing a pipe 284 in which is passing the fluid between the discharge pipe’s second direction 110.2 and the fluid return pipe 106. The translation motion of the magnet 280 is bringing the magnet 280 closer to a valve housing portion 288 that can be seen in more details in Figure 21 throughout Figure 25. This design is capable of opening and closing the fluid circuit without voluminous, heavy and expensive electro valve, or the like, that would get in contact with chemical products that could damage the electro valve and would increase the risk of operational problem that could bring back the high voltage to the PCB. Indeed, this configuration does not have conductors that could carry an electrostatic discharge from the liquid to the conductor and risks damaging the PCB. In other words, the conductors are held at a distance from the high voltage liquid circuit in addition to offer a simple construction that is easy to quickly rinse the valve mechanism and the tubes with water. This is made possible because the open/close control is made using magnets located outside of the liquid circuit and thus creating a remote ON/OFF control of the valve.

[0099] The valve housing portion 288 is including an external portion 292 and an internal portion 296 as it can be seen in Figure 21 illustrating a section view of the valve housing portion 288. The valve housing internal portion 296 and the valve housing external portion 292 are assembled to create a cylindrical volume 300 in which the fluid can be selectively transmitted between the discharge pipe 110 and the fluid return pipe 106. A seal member, embodied as an O-ring 304 that is chemically resistant, like, for instance, FFKM material, is inserted in the valve housing internal portion 296 in which an O-ring-receiving portion 308 is shaped to ensure the O-ring 304 is going to remain in place. The O-ring 304 is interacting with a valve closure element, embodied in the illustrated embodiment as a ball 312, and the ball 312 is secured to a carriage portion 316 including an overmolded magnet 326 in the carriage portion, or, alternatively, a plurality of magnets 326 encapsulated in the peripheral portion of the overmolded magnet 326. The carriage portion 316, with the ball 312 and the magnets 326 are all secured together in a carriage assembly 324 and are adapted to move in the valve housing portion 288 along a carriage axis 320 along the internal axial room available for the translation of the carriage assembly 324 in the valve housing portion 288. The carriage assembly 324 is capable of translating between a valve closed position 330, when the ball 312 is contacting the O-ring 304 and, conversely, a valve open position 334 when the ball 312 is at a distance from the O-ring 304. The valve open position 334 is depicted in Figure 21 , and Figure 27, and the valve closed position 330 is depicted in Figure 22. It can be appreciated the valve opened position 334 is enabled when the actuator 272 is moving the magnet holder 276 upstream toward the discharge pipe’s second direction 110.2. The current embodiment is using magnets repulsive forces with North poles or South poles respectively facing each other to achieve the required force. An alternate design could use magnets attraction forces without departing from the scope of the present application. The fluid can thus circulate in the valve housing portion 288 across the carriage portion 316, between the ball 312 and the O-ring 304 to reach the fluid return pipe 106. In contrast, the valve closed position 330 is enabled when the actuator 272 is moving the magnet holder 276 upstream toward the discharge pipe second direction 110.2. Return magnets 338 are secured on the valve housing portion 288 and are repulsing the magnets 320 on the carriage portion 316 to magnetically push back the carriage portion 316 toward the valve closed position 330 when the actuator 90 is moving the magnet holder 276 in the valve closed position 330, in other words, the valve has a normally closed state. Additionally, the return magnets 338 are also pushing back (repulsing) the magnet 280 and the magnet holder 276 away when the solenoid 90 is not pushing the magnet holder 276 toward the return magnets 338. Consequently, there is no required spring to return the magnet 280 and the magnet holder 276 away when the solenoid 90 is not pushing the magnet holder 276 toward the return magnets 338. A plurality of return magnets 338 are used to provide a balanced force over the moving carriage assembly 324 preventing skewing the carriage assembly 324, which could be detrimental to proper operation of the system. This could be associated to a normally closed state330 of the valve 94.

[00100] It can be appreciated the moving parts of the valve 94 are located inside the valve housing portion 292 and in communication with the fluid. Using a magnetic coupling between the moving portions of the valve 94 and its actuating components, allow a better electrical insulation and preventing a risk of electrically discharging the liquid and neutralizing the desired electrostatic effect. This arrangement of parts is allowing the solenoid 90 to be located at a safe distance from the electrically charged liquid. The O-ring 304 and the ball 312 are preferably made of FFKM or Teflon™ because of chemical resistance and desirable anti-adherent properties of these materials. Other suitable materials could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The valve 94 is a mechanism included in the fluid circuit that does not include springs or other parts that could potentially rust or break to prevent optimal working of the valve 94 or require maintenance. The valve 94 configuration can also be washed and cleaned easily and rapidly. Further, the use of magnets 320, 338, 280 guarantee a stable and long life working of the valve 94.

[00101] In one embodiment of the invention, the ball 312 includes a linear notch with small section dimensions (ex: 0.3mm X 0.5mm) so that when the valve is in closed position 330, the notch will let some liquid to leak between the ball’s 312 outside surface and the O-ring 304. The leakage will ensure liquid is always circulated by the pump even if the misting nozzle is clogged or if the nozzle is in close position to protect the pump from damaging overpressure. This pressure limiting feature is useful to avoid a special and custom-made design of a pump with an internal recirculation feature to avoid overpressure in case a nozzle is blocked. Custom designed pumps are expansive to develop, needs custom molds to be fabricated and are more expansive to produce.

[00102] The nozzle 34 is going to be described in detail with reference to Figure 28 throughout Figure 33. The illustrated embodiment allows easy removal of the nozzle 34, without tools, and to work with high pressure of about >200 psi. There is no need for using the fluid pressure for locking the nozzle 34 in place and allowing removal with rotation of the nozzle 34 in a single rotational direction. The exterior of the nozzle 34 can be appreciated from Figure 28 with a circular exterior portion 360, an adjacent distal ring 364 and a central securing portion 368. The central securing portion 368 includes a pair of opposed radial protrusions 372, 376 disposed with an angle of, illustratively, about 180-degrees from each other, as illustrated in the present example. The pair of radial protrusions 372, 376 are used to secure the nozzle 34 to the electrostatic sprayer 10 with a simple and efficient motion to lock the nozzle 34 in place while allowing rotation of the nozzle 34 in both directions. The nozzle 34 further includes a handle 380 for, once the nozzle 34 is installed on the apparatus, pivoting the nozzle 34 in a desired position that is going to be detailed below. A central connector 384 is disposed in the center of the nozzle 34 along the spray axis 36 to fluidly connect to the electrostatic sprayer 10. The central connector 384 is assembled to the central securing portion 368 in a fashion allowing pivotal of the central portion 368 and the central exterior portion 360 with respect to the central connector 384 when the nozzle 34 is assembled to the nozzle receiver 396. The central connector 384 also includes a pair of engagement portions 388 to prevent rotation of the connector 384 and an O-ring- receiving cavity 392 disposed therearound to seal the assembly with central receiver 412 connected to the liquid circuit of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The two movements are managed distinctly with blocking the rotation of the central connector 384, part of the fluid carrying system, with the engagement portion 388 with the receivers 416 while the protrusions 372, 376 are independently preventing the nozzle 34 to be propelled forward with the fluid pressure. This is a fast and reliable connection of the nozzle 34, or other accessories, without tool that is permitting free rotation of the central securing portion 368 in both directions to be able to make back and forth actions to avoid a 360-degree rotation to come back to the same spray mode 470, 474. This original configuration allows the selection of many nozzle positions on a near 360-degrees path, forms a solid and reliable connection of the nozzle 34 to the apparatus and permits the easy and fast removal of the nozzle 34 without the use of a tool. This is made possible because the nozzle 34 is secured by two protrusions 372 and 376 located oppositely at 180-degrees on the central securing portion 368 and located on different levels, axially, with two retaining walls 408, 424 located axially on different levels and both having a notch opening 406, 420 located oppositely at 180 degrees. Indeed, if only one protrusion was used, the pressure of the liquid would cause the spray accessory to rotate axially because of the unbalanced securing made by a single protrusion located at a distance from the central axis. This could lead to reliability problems and cause the mist to be propelled non axially. Besides, the two retaining walls 408, 424 located axially on different levels make it possible for both retaining walls to have a notch portion 406, 420 located at 180-degrees from one another while permitting nozzle selection on near 360-degrees. If only one level of retaining wall was used, for instance element 424, both notches 406, 420 would be located on this single retaining wall. Then, a nozzle selection located at 180-degrees angle would align the protrusions 372, 376 with both notch portions 406, 420 located on the single retaining wall. Then the spay accessory would not further be secured in place and would be propelled out of the apparatus. A similar situation would occur if only one retaining wall, for example element 424, was used with a single notch.

[00103] The electrostatic sprayer 10 is equipped with a nozzle receiver 396 sized and designed to receive therein the nozzle 34 and the central securing portion 368. The nozzle receiver 396 includes an opening 400 and an interior cylindrical surface 404 sized and designed to accommodate the central securing portion 368, the interior cylindrical surface 404 comprising a notched portion 406, a tread portion 408 and the front wall 424 adapted to selectively cooperate with corresponding radial protrusions 372, 376 of the nozzle 34. The nozzle receiver 396 also includes a central receiver 412 for connecting with the central connector 384 of the nozzle 34 and a pair of engagement portion receivers 416 for securing the pair of engagement portions 388 of the nozzle 34. Indeed, the engagement portions 388 are axially mating the engagement portion receivers 416 without preventing rotation of the circular exterior portion 360 and the pair of radial protrusions 372, 376 for securing the nozzle 34 to the nozzle receiver 396.

[00104] The nozzle 34 can be secured or removed from the nozzle receiver 396 by engaging or disengaging the radial protrusions 372, 376 from corresponding tread 408 and front wall 424. This can be done by axially sliding the radial protrusion 376 in the notched portion 406, rotating the nozzle 34 to align the other radial protrusion 372 in the notched portion 406 and the radial protrusion 376 aligned with the void portion 420, then axially push the nozzle 34 in the nozzle receiver 396 to engage the engagement portion 388 with the central receiver 412 and further rotate clockwise the nozzle 34 to engage both radial protrusions 372, 376 behind their respective thread 408 and front wall 424 to lock the nozzle 34 in place. Alternatively, the nozzle 34 can be inserted in the nozzle receiver 396 with an angle to directly pass the radial protrusion 376 behind the front wall 424 in line with the void portion 420, realign the nozzle 34 with the spray axis 36, align the radial protrusion 372 with the notched portion 406, push the radial protrusion 372 behind the front wall 424 and the radial protrusion 376 behind the thread portion 408 and rotate the nozzle 34 clockwise to lock it in place.

[00105] Figure 30 and Figure 31 are illustrating in further details both halves 14.1 , 14.2 of the housing 14 where it can be seen the tread portion 408 is extending over the complete half 14.1 while extending over the half 14.2 leaving the void portion 420 for engagement of the radial protrusion 376. The notched portion 406 in the front wall 424 can also be seen facing the tread portion 408 in the half 14.1 of the housing 14. Further, the central receiver 412 includes a pair of locating rings 428 disposed on each side of an internal wall 432 and elongates in an electrode portion 436 where high voltage is applied to the fluid passing in the central receiver 412. Both engagement portions 388 disposed on the central connector 384 lock the central connector 384 to the central receiver 412 to prevent the central connector 384 to rotate when the nozzle 34 is rotating. The electrode portion 436, equipped with a connector portion 440 including a wire access 444, is downstream of a tube connector 448 that is sized and designed to connect to the discharge pipe 110. The electrode portion 436 applies high voltage to the fluid exiting the nozzle 34 to electrically charge the fluid that is pulverized by the electrostatic sprayer 10. It can be further appreciated from Figure 30 and Figure 31 that the housing 14 halves 14.1 and 14.2 are embodied in a plastic molded structure including a plurality of ribs 452 and a series of securing portions 456 adapted to receive screws (not illustrated) therein to secure both halves 14.1 and 14.2 together. A light receptacle 460 is also optionally part of the housing 14 to include a light 38, embodied as a LED, to improve visibility of the area to spray. Figure 32 and Figure 33 are depicting the nozzle 34 assembled to the nozzle receiver 396 in a single half 14.1 and 14.2 of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The nozzle 34 can pivot to be assembled to the nozzle receiver 396 and also to enable use of three distinct spray modes, a first spray mode 470 using a small volume of spray outlet with, for example, a misting pattern, a second spray mode 474 using a large volume spray outlet, and a closed mode 478 where the fluid channel is blocked for preventing any spilling during transportation, for example. Change of mode is made manually with pivotal of the nozzle 34 in both directions.

[00106] Moving now to Figure 34 illustrating a section view of the central connector 384, held in place with a rib 386, with its internal channel 482 heading at an angle 486 to mate with a seal 490 affixed to each of the three nozzle spray mode outlets 470, 474, 478 thus preventing any leak between the central connector 384 and the nozzle 34. The connector 384 is further sealed with an O-ring 492 downstream and remains fixedly in place once secured to the nozzle receiver 396 and 416 while configured to operatively interact with the pivotable nozzle 34 in both rotational directions. Figure 35 and Figure 36 are showing section views of the nozzle portion of the electrostatic sprayer 10 with a section view of two of the three nozzle spray mode outlets 470, 478 for further clarity. Figure 37 throughout Figure 42 are illustrating various steps for inserting or removing the nozzle 34 from the nozzle receiver 396.

[00107] Figure 43, Figure 44 and Figure 45 are illustrating the nozzle 34 with further details concerning the relative rotation mechanism between the central securing portion 368 and the central connector 384. A stopper 496 on the central connector 384 is adapted to rotate until it is stopped by the stopper 500 on the central securing portion 368. The central securing portion 368 can rotate almost 360-degree in each direction before being stopped from further rotating with the contact of the stoppers 496 and 500. Notches 504 are disposed in a circular array about the central securing portion 368. A corresponding biased member, not illustrated, is positioned in the central securing portion 368 and the central connector 384 assembly to momentarily lock the central securing portion 368 of the nozzle 34 in a predetermined position for selecting the desired spray mode.

[00108] The modular assembly of the nozzle 34 on the electrostatic sprayer 10 is providing interchangeability of alternative nozzles designed for specific uses. For instances, Figure 46 is illustrating an elongated nozzle 510 with a long tube 514 and a conical outlet tool 518 configured to reach distanced areas. Figure 47 is depicting another alternative nozzle 522 with a lateral distancing member 526 and a double outlets tool 530 providing a converging spray pattern 534 for decontaminating hand ramps, for example, while a multitude of other optional nozzles can be used although not detailed in the present application. [00109] Figure 48, Figure 49 and Figure 50 are illustrating flow charts with logical steps used in the method of operating the electrostatic sprayer 10.

[00110] Figure 51 schematically illustrates the electric connections in the electrostatic sprayer 10. The battery 22 powers the Printed Control Board (PCB) 540 where a microcontroller drives the operation of the electrostatic sprayer 10. The PCB 540 is connected to the high-voltage generator 86 adapted, when powered, for producing the required potential difference to electrically charge the fluid to be sprayed through the electrode portion 436. The high-voltage generator 86 has a high-voltage current return wire 542 connecting to the conductive layer 134 of the handle 26 adapted to produce the desired capacitance. It is worth noting that other connections to e.g., the pump and controls, while present in the electrostatic sprayer 10, since not relative to the capacitance function, are not depicted therein.

[00111] During operation, the charging of the mist is generated by the high voltage generator 86. The battery 22 supplies the control PCB 540. The control PCB 540 incorporates a microcontroller which will activate/deactivate the high voltage generator 86 at will. The microcontroller will only activate the generator 86 once a certain level of pressure is detected in the liquid circuit to avoid charging the electrode when there is no liquid, for instance when the user is emptying the sprayer 10. Once the generator 86 is activated, it will apply a high voltage (ex: 7000V) to the charge electrode 436 which will charge the expelled mist. The expelled mist could be seen as a current expelled from the sprayer 10. In order to generate the high voltage expelled current, the generator 86 must circulate a current to the floor (ground) by the generator’s high voltage current return wire 542. The high voltage current return wire 542 is also connected to the conductive coating 134. The conductive coating 134 is electrically coupled by a capacitive effect using the electrical field to the hand of the user holding the handle 22 of the sprayer 10. This touchless electrical connection allows the generator 86 to circulate a current to the floor through the user body. The current can reach the floor if: the user wears shoes which materials are at least a little bit conductive, if the feet and shoes are humid (even low humidity level), if the shoes are anti-static or if the shoes materials have a certain permittivity level so that the electrical field can exchange electric charges between the user feet and the floor.

[00112] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are Intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior Art.