WO2002041083A2

WO2002041083A2 - Electro-adhesion

Info

Publication number: WO2002041083A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2001/000177
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herman Allison; Ronald Kevin Fricker; Marthinus Christoffel Smit
Original assignee: Herman Allison; Ronald Kevin Fricker; Marthinus Christoffel Smit
Priority date: 2000-11-17
Filing date: 2001-11-16
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: AU2002220283A1; WO2002041083A3

Abstract

The invention provides a copier (80) which includes an electro-adhesion device (10) attached to or forming part of a lid (82) of the copier (80). The electro-adhesion device (10) is provided on/in the lid (82) to enable a user to position objects (88) face-up on the lid (82) while the lid (82) is open. By closing the lid (82) onto the base (84), the objects (88) are presented in user-selected positions to a copying sensor (not shown) contained in the base (84). The electro-adhesion device (10) is configured to attract the objects (88) to an electro-adhesion surface of the electro-adhesion device (10) with a suitably high adhesion force to ensure that the objects (88) are not able to move freely relative to the electro-adhesion surface during the closing of the lid (82) and/or during copying.

Description

ELECTRO-ADHESION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates, in general, to electro-adhesion. In particular, this invention relates to an electro-adhesion device and uses thereof.

Background to the Invention

Electro-adhesion is the process of creating a charge in an object and thereby attracting it to a special surface. Electro-adhesion devices, for attracting a non-magnetize- able object such as paper, have not been introduced as consumer products due to the fact that they are either ineffective, in that they do not create a sufficient adhesion force, or very expensive to make due to the complexity of these devices.

A further problem is that it is very difficult to create one adhesion device that attracts objects of a variety of materials with suitable force. It is this application of the invention which should predominantly but not exclusively be borne in mind.

Furthermore, some copying devices require a lid to ensure that the originals are kept stationary and flat during the copying process. The lid further serves to prevent ambient light to enter the copying device. Copying devices with a lid usually require that the originals be placed face down on a translucent surface. The lid covers the originals and the translucent surface. The copy sensor scans/copies the originals from the other side of the translucent surface. This system creates three problems: firstly, the originals need to be placed face down, making it very difficult to position the relevant or required portions accurately, or to combine several originals to compile one combined copy (it also makes it very difficult to mask unwanted portions on the originals): secondly, originals with a tendency to warp (such as cash register slips or thermal fax paper) are almost impossible to position on the translucent surface and to close the lid without the originals moving or being folded by the lid; and thirdly, by closing the lid, air is forced out from between the lid and the translucent surface which may cause originals to move, resulting in the copy being spoilt.

Some handheld copying devices on the other hand allow the user to present originals face up. These devices usually require the user to drag the sensor part of scanner over the originals. This resolves some of the problems but introduces others. With handheld copying devices, it is close to impossible to combine originals. Originals with a tendency to warp pose problems. Movement of originals during the copy process creates imperfections in the copies.

In the specification and claims which follow the term "copy", in all its forms, is to be understood to include the term "scan". Accordingly, "copier" includes "scanner" and

"copying" includes "scanning" etc.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an electro-adhesion device which includes a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the electro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and an object to be attracted is placed adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force, wherein the electrodes may be screen-printed onto a suitable surface.

The electrodes may be configured so that at least a portion of the base separates one electrode from at least one other electrode, while all electrodes are present on the same side of the base.

Accordingly, the electrodes may be located on opposite sides of the base. Typically, the base is then made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. Electrodes of an electrode pair may be located on opposite sides of the base, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised, thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that electrode pair, which in turn, causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Electrodes on the same side of the base may be oppositely polarised to electrodes on the opposite side of the base thereby increasing a maximum withstand voltage between electrodes. The base may comprise two or more parts so that at least a portion of one electrode is located on a separate part of the base from at least one other electrode. The parts may or may not be connected to each other.

The resistivity of the base is typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω.

The electrodes may be formed from conductive ink screen-printed onto the suitable surface.

The suitable surface may have a high surface resistivity. The resistivity is typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω. The suitable surface may be selected from the group including PVC and certain types of Nylon. The suitable surface may be fixed onto the base of the electro-adhesion device.

Otherwise, the base of the electro-adhesion device may define the suitable surface onto which the electrodes are screen-printed.

The electro-adhesion device may include an insulating cover over the electrodes so that an outer side of the insulating cover defines the electro-adhesion surface. The cover may be made from a substance having a high surface resistivity. The resistivity is typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω. The cover may be made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. The insulating cover may define the suitable surface onto which the electrodes are screen-printed, the electrodes being screen-printed onto the non-exposed side of the insulating cover.

At least a part of the insulating cover may define the base of the electro- adhesion device.

The insulating cover may completely enclose the electrodes so as to ensure isolation of the electrodes and to prevent humidity gaining access to the electrodes. The insulating cover may be formed from two tensioned sheets sandwiching the electrodes and edges of the sheets may be matched and joined together. In such an embodiment, at least a part of the insulating cover typically defines the base of the electro-adhesion device. The base, the electrodes, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover may be made from a flexible substance. The base, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover may be made from a flexible film.

The base, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover may include a coating. The coating may be applied as a spray-on coating, silk-screen coating, dip-in coating or the like. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the base, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover is in the form of only a coating.

The base, the electrodes, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover may be made from a translucent substance. The base, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover may made from a translucent film. The electrodes may be formed from translucent conductive ink screen-printed onto the suitable surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electro- adhesion device which includes a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the electro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and an object to be attracted is placed adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force, wherein the electrodes have a distributed resistance large enough to reduce the risk of a user being harmed when touching an electrode regardless of where on the electrode the user touches.

The electrodes may be configured so that at least a portion of the base separates one electrode from at least one other electrode.

Accordingly, the electrodes may be located on opposite sides of the base. Typically, the base is then made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. Electrodes of an electrode pair may be located on opposite sides of the base, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that electrode pair which in turn causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Electrodes on the same side of the base may be oppositely polarised to electrodes on the opposite side of the base thereby increasing a maximum withstand voltage between electrodes. The base may comprise two or more parts so that at least a portion of one electrode is located on a separate part of the base from at least one other electrode. The parts may or may not be connected to each other.

The resistivity of the electrodes may be at least 80 kΩ per square. The electrodes may be screen-printed onto a suitable surface.

The electro-adhesion device may include an insulating cover over the electrodes so that an outer side of the insulating cover defines the electro-adhesion surface, the cover being made from a substance having a high surface resistivity. The resistivity is typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω. The cover may be made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a power supply for an electro-adhesion device, which power supply includes a special application of a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; and a fusing means connected in series to an input path of the multiplier so that the multiplier is connectable to a mains power source via the fusing means, wherein the fusing means is configured to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw at least a maximum allowable power value from the mains power source.

The multiplier is typically configured to step-up the mains power source (for example 220 V, 50 Hz AC in Europe and 110 V, 60 Hz AC in the USA) to a voltage suitable for the powering electro-adhesion device (for example 1,5 kV DC).

The fusing means typically breaks the connection by becoming open circuited.

The maximum allowable power value may be determined as twice the current that the multiplier draws when its outputs are shorted, but no more than 100 mA.

The fusing means may be in the form of at least one low current fuse. The low current fuse may be a 10 mA fuse. The fusing means may be in the form of at least one low value, low wattage resistor selected to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw at least a maximum allowable power value from the mains power supply.

At least a first capacitor of the multiplier, counted from the input of the multiplier, may be in the form of a safety capacitor, which capacitors are designed to fail in open circuit mode should they fail, thereby breaking the connection to mains. In a preferred embodiment, all of the capacitors of the multiplier are safety capacitors.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a power supply for an electro-adhesion device which power supply includes a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; and at least one high value resistance, each resistance connected in series to at least one output path of the multiplier so as to create a high output impedance for the power supply.

The resistance value of the least one high value resistance may be configured to create a high output impedance of at least 5 MΩ, dependant on the selected output voltage. Each high value resistance may include a plurality of high value resistors configured to provide a high output impedance of at least 10 MΩ, dependant on the selected output voltage.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a power supply for an electro-adhesion device, which power supply includes a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; at least one high value resistance, each resistance connected in series to at least one output path of the multiplier so as to create a high output impedance; and a fusing means connected in series to an input path of the multiplier so that the multiplier is connectable to a mains power source via the fusing means wherein the fusing means is configured to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw at least a maximum allowable power value from the mains power supply. a safety capacitor in series with the mains supply on the mains supply side of the power supply. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing for a power supply as described above. The housing may be configured so as to allow the power supply to be connected, in use, proximate to the mains power source connection.

The housing may be configured so as to form a connector for connection, in use, to the mains power source connection. Accordingly, the housing typically includes at least one male prong for connection to a corresponding at least one prong female socket of the mains power source connection.

The housing is typically in the form of a conventional plug having at least a live prong and a neutral prong.

The housing may house the power supply.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a copier which includes: an electro-adhesion device which includes: a base made of a substance chosen to minimise leakage from the electro-adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and an object suitable for copying is positioned adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force to ensure that the object is not able to move freely relative to the electro-adhesion surface before and/or during copying.

Accordingly, the electrodes may be located on opposite sides of the base.

Typically, the base is then made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. Electrodes of an electrode pair may be located on opposite sides of the base, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that electrode pair which in turn causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Electrodes on the same side of the base may be oppositely polarised to electrodes on the opposite side of the base thereby increasing a maximum withstand voltage between electrodes. The base may comprise two or more parts so that at least a portion of one electrode is located on a separate part of the base from at least one other electrode. The parts may or may not be connected to each other.

The electro-adhesion device may be configured to ensure that, when a surface of the object is positioned adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the orientation of such surface of the object relative to the electro-adhesion surface is maintained in substantially the same condition as it was positioned in.

The electro-adhesion device may be configured to attract the object to the electro-adhesion surface with a suitable adhesion force to allow the object to be removed manually from the electro-adhesion surface.

The object is typically a planar object. The planar object may be a flexible object such as a piece of paper, a transparency, or the like.

An outer surface of the electro-adhesion device may include markings for aiding a user in positioning the object on the outer surface, which markings are configured to reflect the relative positioning of the object on the copy to be made.

The electro-adhesion device may be made from a flexible substance.

At least a part of the electro-adhesion device may be translucent. The translucent electro-adhesion device may be attached to or form at least a part of a copying surface.

The electro-adhesion device may be attached to or form part of a lid of the copier, so that the electro-adhesion surface faces a copying surface of the copier, in use. The electro-adhesion device may be positioned on the lid in a manner aligning the electro- adhesion surface with the copying surface of the copier, in use.

The copier may include a handheld copying sensor for facilitating copying, in which case the electro-adhesion device may be provided as a unit separate from the handheld copying sensor or connected to the handheld copying sensor. The electro-adhesion device may form part of a feeder of the copier in copiers where the object is moved past a copying sensor of the copier, in use.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an electro- adhesion device shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with at least one object which the electro-adhesion device is designed to attract, the electro-adhesion device including a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the electro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and the at least one object to be attracted is placed adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force.

Accordingly, the electrodes may be located on opposite sides of the base. Typically, the base is then made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. Electrodes of an electrode pair may be located on opposite sides of the base, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that electrode pair which in turn causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Electrodes on the same side of the base may be oppositely polarised to electrodes on the opposite side of the base thereby increasing a maximum withstand voltage between electrodes.

The base may comprise two or more parts so that at least a portion of one electrode is located on a separate part of the base from at least one other electrode. The parts may or may not be connected to each other.

The electro-adhesion device may be shaped to resemble background scenery.

The electro-adhesion device may be shaped to resemble a living thing, such as an animal, a human, a tree, or the like. The human may be a well-known character. The electro-adhesion device may be shaped to resemble a non-living thing, such as an article of furniture, an article of office equipment, a building structure or the like. The elecfro-adhesion device may be connected to a support which supports the electro-adhesion device in a particular orientation. The support may house a power supply for the electro-adhesion device. The power supply may include at least one electrochemical cell.

The at least one object which the electro-adhesion device is designed to attract is typically a planar object.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an intermediate planar object suitable for attraction to an elecfro-adhesion device as described above and suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object.

At least a part of the intermediate planar object may have a sufficiently high surface resistivity making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object, the sufficiently high surface resistivity yet being sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to an elecfro-adhesion device as described above. The high surface resistivity is typically between about 10¹⁶ Ω andlO¹⁷ Ω.

At least a part of the intermediate planar object may have a dielectric constant (Epsilon) of more than 1.5 making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object, the dielectric constant (Epsilon) yet being sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to an electro-adhesion device as described above. A part of the intermediate planar object may have a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be attracted to the electro-adhesion device by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object. Such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is typically less than 1.5.

At least a part of the intermediate planar object may be very smooth making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object. Such smoothness may be defined as having a variation of less than 500 μm. At least a part of the intermediate planar object may have a thickness of less than 500 μm making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object.

The intermediate planar object may include a thin film. The thin film may be applied as a laminate. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the intermediate planar object is in the form of only a thin film.

The intermediate planar object may include a coating. The coating may be applied as a spray-on coating, silk-screen coating, dip-in coating or the like. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the intermediate planar object is in the form of only a coating.

At least a part of the intermediate planar object may be made of a translucent material.

The intermediate planar object may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with an electro-adhesion device described above. The intermediate planar object may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with another intermediate planar object.

The intermediate planar object may be shaped, dimensioned or detailed to resemble background scenery. The intermediate planar object may be shaped, dimensioned or detailed to resemble a living thing, such as an animal, a human, a tree, or the like. The human may be a well-known character. The intermediate planar object may be shaped, dimensioned or detailed to resemble a non-living thing, such as an article of furniture, an article of office equipment, a building structure and the like.

A plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects may be provided.

Accordingly, in use, a plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects are typically attracted to the elecfro-adhesion device, one intermediate planar object directly to the electro- adhesion device and the rest of the intermediate planar objects directly to each other.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a final object suitable for attraction to an elecfro-adhesion device as described above. The final object may be suitable for attraction to an intermediate planar object as described above, which intermediate planar object is attracted to the electro-adhesion device.

At least a part of the final object may have a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be attracted to the elecfro-adhesion device by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro- adhesion device to be passed on to other objects. Such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is typically less than 1.5.

The final object may be in the form of a final planar object.

The final planar object may include a thin film. The thin film may be applied as a laminate. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the final planar obj ect is in the form of only a thin film.

The final planar object may include a coating. The coating may be applied as a spray-on coating, silk-screen coating, dip-in coating or the like. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the final planar object is in the form of only a coating.

At least a part of the final object may be made of a translucent material.

The final object may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with an electro-adhesion device described above. The final object may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with an intermediate planar object described above.

The final object may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble an article of clothing, a clothing accessory, or the like.

A plurality of different types of final objects may be provided.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a toy which includes an electro-adhesion device shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with at least one object which the electro-adhesion device is designed to attract as described above; and a plurality of different types of final objects as described above being provided with the electro-adhesion device.

A plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects as described above may also be provided with the electro-adhesion device.

The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments contained in this specification and all variations falling within the spirit of the invention are included in the scope of the invention as if specifically listed.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying non-limiting diagrams in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross-sectional three-dimensional view, of an electro-adhesion device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation, in cross-sectional side view, of the electro-adhesion device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation, in cross-sectional three-dimensional view, of an electro-adhesion device, having a base in the form of an insulating cover, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation, in cross-sectional side view, of the electro-adhesion device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a bank of electrodes of an electro- adhesion device in one embodiment of the invention, wherein the outer surfaces of the electrodes are shaped so that they have varying surface areas so that, in use, the object to be attracted may be made from any one of a variety of materials including metals and non- metals;

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation, in cross-sectional three-dimensional view, of another embodiment of an electro-adhesion device, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a standard Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier;

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a power supply for an electro-adhesion device, in accordance with the invention; Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a housing which houses the power supply of Figure 8, in accordance with the invention; Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a copier having a lid to which is attached an electro-adhesion device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a copier which includes a handheld copying sensor and an electro-adhesion device in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a toy, in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a multi-layer elecfro-adhesion system, in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings and Figures 1 and 2 in particular, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an electro-adhesion device in accordance with the invention. The electro-adhesion device 10 includes a base 12 and first 14 and second 16 banks of thin electrically conductive electrodes 18 located apart from each other on one side of the base 12. The electro-adhesion device 10 also includes an insulating cover 20 over the first 14 and second 16 banks so that the outer side of the insulating cover 20 defines an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes 18 are energised and an object to be attracted is placed adjacent the insulating cover 20, the object is attracted to the insulating cover 20 by a suitably high adhesion force.

Accordingly, the elecfro-adhesion device 10 comprises a layer formed by electrodes 18 and a layer formed by the base 12, wherein the base 12 is thin so as to define a layer of the elecfro-adhesion device 10.

The first 14 and second 16 banks are separated by a gap 22 which is as small as possible to prevent charge build-up between the banks 14, 16.

The base 12 is typically made of a substance chosen to minimise leakage from the electro-adhesion device 10 such as a substance having a high bulk resistivity of at least 10¹⁶Ω/m.

The profile of the base 12 determines the profile of the electro-adhesion surface. Accordingly, the profile of the base 12 is shaped so as to correspond to the shape of a portion of the object to be attracted, which portion is the portion which is placed adjacent the electro-adhesion surface. This serves to minimise, in use, air gaps between the electro- adhesion surface and the object to be attracted. In this embodiment of the invention, the profile of the base 12 is flat, but it is to be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the profile of the base 12 may follow any profile.

The base 12 is typically smooth having a surface variation of less than 500 μm.

The insulating cover 20 is as thin as possible as the electro-adhesion force is, amongst other factors, inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes 18 and the object to be attracted. The cover 20 is typically thinner than 500 μm.

The cover 20 is made from a substance having a high surface resistivity of typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω and having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 2. The cover 20 is typically made from a polymer such as nylon 6 or PVC based substance.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the cover 20 is in the form of a thin film which is applied as a laminate, h other embodiments, the cover 20 is in the form of an enamel coating applied as a spray on, dip in, or any other suitable means of application.

The cover 20 is smooth with a surface variation of less than 500 μm.

With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, reference numeral 10.1 generally indicates an electro-adhesion device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The elecfro-adhesion device 10.1 substantially resembles the elecfro-adhesion device 10 and, accordingly, like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or similar features unless otherwise indicated. In this embodiment of the invention, the base 12 is in the form of an insulating cover 20.1 as described above. Accordingly the banks 14, 16 are sandwiched between two covers 20, 20.1 so that the elecfro-adhesion device 10.1 includes two electro-adhesion surfaces.

Figure 5 shows a bank 14/16 of elongate electrodes 18 substantially parallel to each, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Adjacent electrodes 18 form an electrode pair, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that electrode pair which in turn causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Each of the elecfrodes 18 has an outer surface 24 facing away from the base

12 which outer surface 24 has dimensions in any direction greater than the distance from such outer surface 24 to the base 12, which distance is the thickness of the elecfrode 18. Each electrode 18 is typically extremely thin so as to limit charge build-up between adjacent elecfrodes 18. Each electrode 18 is typically less than 5 μm thick.

The bank 14/16 is configured so that as little air as possible is trapped between adjacent elecfrodes 18.

Adjacent electrodes 18 are located apart from each other by a fixed minimum distance 26 which is related to a maximum withstand voltage between the electrodes 18 before flashover occurs. As the elecfro-adhesion force is proportional to the voltage between adjacent elecfrodes, the minimum distance 26 is selected so that an appropriate voltage is accomplished between an elecfrode pair in order to accomplish a sufficient elecfro-adhesion force without flashover occurring.

The elecfrodes 18 are shaped to limit sharpness of corners of the elecfrodes 18 thereby reducing the possibility of flashover occurring.

The shapes of the outer surfaces 24 of the electrodes 18 are selected depending on the material composition of the object to be attracted.

In order to attract metals the elecfrodes 18 would have outer surfaces 24 having large surface areas. Typically, the electro-adhesion device 10, 10.1 for metals only includes two oppositely polarised electrodes 18 separated by a single separation gap 22 between them.

In order to attract non-metals, the electrodes 18 would have outer surfaces 24 having small surface areas.

In this embodiment of the invention, the outer surfaces 24 of the elecfrodes 18 are shaped so that they have varying surface areas so that, in use, the object to be attracted may be made from any one of a variety of materials including metals and non-metals, the object thereby being attracted with suitable elecfro-adhesion force regardless of the material. Accordingly, the outer surface 24 of each of the electrodes 18 has a linear border on one side and a sinusoidal border on an opposite side so that the width of each electrode 18 varies sinusoidally lengthwise along the elecfrode 18 whereby the varying surface area of each electrode 18 is repetitive lengthwise along the electrode 18. Accordingly, the elecfrodes 18 are configured so that the sinusoidal border of one electrode 18.1 is aligned adjacent the sinusoidal border of an adjacent elecfrode 18.2 and so that the linear border of one elecfrode 18.1 is aligned adjacent the linear border of an adjacent electrode 18.3, such that the minimum distance 26 between adjacent elecfrodes 18 remains fairly constant.

It is to be appreciated that the linear border of one of the end elecfrodes 18 of the first bank 14 is located parallel to the linear border of one of the end elecfrodes 18 of the second bank 14 on the base 12 so as to form the gap 22.

It is also to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, the elecfrodes 18 may be shaped and configured so that certain portions of the elecfro-adhesion surface attract only metals, other portions attract only non-metals and still other portions attract both metals and non-metals or any combination of two of these portions.

Typically, the elecfrodes 18 of an electrode pair are oppositely polarised by a low DC current, typically less than 5 μA DC, with a relatively high DC voltage, typically more than 1500 V DC.

It is further to be appreciated that in another embodiment of the invention, the elecfrodes 18 may be located on opposite sides of the base 12 when the base 12 is made of a substance having a high dielectric constant (Epsilon), typically of at least 5. Elecfrodes 18 of an elecfrode pair may be located on opposite sides of the base 12, which electrode pair is energised, in use, so as to be oppositely polarised thereby causing a charge differential in a part of the object adjacent that elecfrode pair which in turn causes the object to be attracted to the electro-adhesion surface. Elecfrodes 18 on the same side of the base 12 may be oppositely polarised to elecfrodes 18 on the opposite side of the base 12 thereby increasing the maximum withstand voltage between elecfrodes 18 and reducing the effect of impurities on the elecfro- adhesion surface. It is to be appreciated that the electrode pair in this embodiment of the invention has all the same characteristics of an elecfrode pair as described with reference to the drawings except that one electrode 18 of the electrode pair is located on an opposite side of the base 12. Accordingly, the transverse relationship of the elecfrodes 18 of an electrode pair is altered but not the planar relationship with respect to the elecfro-adhesion surface.

Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the base 12 may comprise two or more unconnected parts so that at least a portion of one electrode 18 is located on a separate part of the base 12 from at least one other electrodel8. In this way at least one part of the base 12 separates at least a portion of one electrode 18 from at least one other electrode 18 in order to achieve substantially the same result as when the elecfrodes 18 are located on opposite sides of the same base 12.

It is to be appreciated that, in one embodiment of the invention, the elecfrodes

18 are silkscreen electrodes or vapour deposition elecfrodes which have been screen printed onto a suitable surface. The electrodes 18 are typically formed from conductive ink screen- printed onto the suitable surface.

The suitable surface must have a high surface resistivity of typically more than 10¹⁴ Ω. The suitable surface may be selected from the group including PVC and certain types of Nylon.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the suitable surface is a separate surface 28, such as a cardboard surface, which is fixed onto the base 12 of the elecfro-adhesion device 10. hi another embodiment, the base 12 of the electro-adhesion device 10 defines the suitable surface onto which the elecfrodes 18 are screen-printed. In a further embodiment, the insulating cover 20 defines the suitable surface onto which the electrodes 18 are screen-printed, the elecfrodes 18 being screen-printed onto an inner surface of the insulating cover 20.

It is to be appreciated that the capacitance formed between the electrodes 18 may be sufficiently large to become unsafe after being charged if the insulation cover 20 is damaged. Accordingly, the electrodes 18 are produced with a distributed resistance large enough to ensure that a user is not harmed when touching an electrode 18 regardless of where on the electrode 18 the user touches. No matter where on an elecfrode 18 a user might make contact, the distributed resistance of the elecfrode 18 would limit the discharge current to the contact point instead of discharging the energy rapidly into the user. With screen-printed elecfrodes 18, the conductivity of the ink may be reduced to accomplish a distributed resistance throughout the electrodes 18. In the preferred embodiment, the resistivity of the ink will typically be lOOkΩ per square. This makes an inexpensive and safe elecfrode 18 possible.

It is to be appreciated that the suitable surface shown in Figure 6 is a separate optional rigid surface 28. In this embodiment of the invention, as in Figures 3 and 4, the base 12 is in the form of an insulating cover 20.1. It is to be appreciated that greater insulating cover 20, 20.1 is formed from two tensioned sheets 20, 20.1 sandwiching the electrodes 18. The insulating cover 20, 20.1 completely encloses the electrodes 18 so as to ensure isolation of the elecfrodes 18 and to prevent humidity gaining access to the elecfrodes 18. The edges 30 of the sheets 20, 20.1 are matched and joined together by way of high frequency welding or another means of bonding.

In another embodiment of the invention where the separate optional rigid surface 28 is omitted, elecfrodes 18 are typically screen printed on the inside of insulation cover 20 or the base 12/20.1. The insulating cover 20, 20.1 is made of PVC material (or another material with a high bulk resistivity and high dielectric constant). The elecfro- adhesion device 10 typically resembles a PVC high frequency welded file or desk pad. Optional materials, such as, padding (sponge type of material) may also be enclosed between the sheets 20, 20.1 of insulating cover 20, 20.1. In an embodiment where the rigid base 12 is omitted, at least a part of the insulating cover 20, 20.1 defines the base of the electro-adhesion device 10.

In applications where a non-rigid electro-adhesion device 10 is required, the base 12, the elecfrodes 18, the suitable surface 28, and the insulating cover 20 are made from flexible substances. The base 12, the suitable surface 28, and the insulating cover 20 are typically in the form of flexible films. The base 12, the suitable surface 28, and/or the insulating cover 20 are then typically laminated together by means of heat, pressure and / or glue. A non-rigid elecfro-adhesion device 10 is typically used where flexible adhesion surfaces are required (such as paper rollers). It is however to be appreciated that the non-rigid electro-adhesion device 10 can be high frequency welded over a rigid surface to provide an adhesion board.

Figure 7 shows, schematically, a standard six-stage Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier 40 which includes six capacitors 42.1 - 42.6 and six diodes 44.1 - 44.6 in a configuration as shown.

Figure 8 shows, schematically, a power supply 50 connected at an output side of the power supply 50 to an elecfro-adhesion device 10. The power supply 50 is connected at an input side of the power supply 50 to a mains power source 52. The power supply 50 includes a standard six-stage Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier 40 having six capacitors

42.1 - 42.6 and six diodes 44.1 - 44.6 in an identical configuration to that shown in Figure 7. The multiplier 40 is configured to step-up the mains power source of 220 V, 50 Hz AC (which is available in Europe) to 1,5 kV DC which is suitable for the powering elecfro- adhesion device 10.

The power supply 50 also includes a fusing means 54 connected in series to an input path 56 of the multiplier 40 so that the multiplier 40 is connected to the mains power source 52 via the fusing means 54. The fusing means 54 is configured to break the connection between the mains power source 52 and the multiplier 40 should the multiplier 40 draw at least a maximum allowable power value from the mains power source 52. In this embodiment of the invention, the fusing means 54 is in the form of a low value, low wattage resistor.

Since the elecfro-adhesion device 10 consumes very little power, an error condition (such as diode or capacitor failure) will dramatically increase the current through the resistor 54, quickly heating and vaporizing the resistive film of the resistor 54, leaving the resistor 54 open circuit.

The maximum allowable power value may be determined as twice the current (I) that the multiplier draws when its outputs are shorted, but no more than 100 mA.

It is to be appreciated that in another embodiment of the invention the fusing means 54 may be in the form of a 10 mA fuse.

The first capacitor 42.1 of the multiplier 40, counted from the input of the multiplier 40, is in the form of a safety capacitor which is configured to fail when the fusing means 54 breaks the connection, thereby ensuring that mains power is never delivered directly to the output of the power source 50.

h a preferred embodiment, all of the other capacitors 42.2 - 42.6 of the multiplier 40 are safety capacitors. Accordingly, all the capacitors 42.1 - 42.6 are fairly low value capacitors, typically 470 pF capacitors.

The power supply 50 further includes two 5 MΩ resistors 58 connected in series to a first output path 60 of the multiplier 40 and two 5 MΩ resistors 58 connected in series to a second output path 64 of the multiplier 40 so as to create a high output impedance. hi another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the power supply 50 may be configured to step-up the mains power source of 110 V, 60 Hz AC (which is available in the USA) to 1,5 kV DC which is suitable for the powering elecfro-adhesion device 10. In such an embodiment a twelve-stage multiplier with InF safety capacitors is used.

It is to be appreciated that the multiplier 40 may be configured so as to limit the potential difference of an output of the multiplier 40 relative to ground but still providing a potential difference between the outputs relative to each other which is suitable for the powering elecfro-adhesion device 10. Typically, the multiplier 40 will provide 750 V on one output and -750 V (both values relative to ground) on the other output. In this way attraction of particles, such as dust and the like, to the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is limited.

Figure 9 shows, schematically, a housing 70 which houses the power supply 50 of Figure 8. The housing 70 is configured so as to form a connector (the connector being in the form of a conventional plug in this embodiment) for connection, in use, to the mains power source connection so as to allow the power supply 50 to be connected, in use, directly to the mains power source connection. Accordingly, the housing 70 includes two male prongs 72 (one a live prong and one a female prong) for connection to a two prong female socket of the mains power source connection.

The output of the power supply 50 feeds directly out on leads/cables 74, 76 that supply elecfro-adhesion device 10 with power. The voltage between the leads 74, 76 is high, typically 1500 V, provided to the leads through very high impedances, making it safe to touch the exposed leads 74, 76 simultaneously. As there is also a very high impedance path between the prongs 72 and leads/cables 74, 76 it makes it safe even if lead/cable 74 or 76 is accidentally touched together with one of the mains supply rails, save providing a alternative path between the mains supply rails and or earth, in which case the path is external to the system shown in Figure 9.

It is to be appreciated that the housing 70 can take on various shapes and forms to conform to a specific country's mains plug system.

Referring to Figure 10 in particular, reference numeral 80 generally indicates a copier in accordance with the invention. The copier 80 includes an elecfro-adhesion device 10 attached to or forming part of a lid 82 of the copier 80. The copier 80 includes a copier base 84 consisting of a translucent copying surface 86 through which a copying sensor (not shown) contained in the base 84 scans or copies paper objects 88. The lid 82 can close onto the base 84 by means of hinges 90.

The electro-adhesion device 10 is provided on/in the lid 82 to enable a user to position objects 88 face-up on the lid 82 while the lid 82 is open. By closing the lid 82 onto the base 84, the objects 88 are presented in user-selected positions to the copying sensor contained in the base 84.

The elecfro-adhesion device 10 is configured to attract the objects 88 to the elecfro-adhesion surface with a suitably high adhesion force to ensure that the objects 88 are not able to move freely relative to the elecfro-adhesion surface during the closing of the lid 82 and/or during copying. This also ensures that, should objects 88 have a tendency to warp relative to the elecfro-adhesion surface, the objects are attracted to the electro-adhesion surface in a substantially flat condition relative to the elecfro-adhesion surface.

It is however to be appreciated that the electro-adhesion device 10 is configured to attract the objects 88 to the elecfro-adhesion surface with a suitable adhesion force to allow the objects 88 to be removed manually from the electro-adhesion surface, for example, by pealing the object off the electro-adhesion surface.

It is also to be appreciated that, in other embodiments of the invention, it is possible for the copying sensor to be included in the lid 82, in which case the electro-adhesion device 10 is provided on/in the base 84.

Further, by using a translucent electro-adhesion device 10 as or attached to the franslucent copying surface 86, the copier 80 can be used as usual with benefits such as keeping warped originals flat and preventing movement before or during copying. In order to produce a translucent elecfro-adhesion device 10, the base 12, the elecfrodes 18, the suitable surface 28 (where applicable), and the insulating cover 20 described above are made from a translucent substance. Typically, the base 12, the suitable surface 28, and the insulating cover 20 are then made from a translucent film and the elecfrodes 18 are formed from franslucent conductive ink screen-printed onto the suitable surface 28.

It is further to be appreciated that in another embodiment of the invention (not shown), an outer surface (typically an insulating cover 20 as described above) of the electro-adhesion device 10 includes markings for aiding a user in positioning the objects 88 on the outer surface. The markings are typically configured to reflect the relative positioning of the objects 88 on the copy to be made.

Referring to figure 11, which shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, reference numeral 80 generally indicates a copier in accordance with the invention. The copier 80 consists of a handheld copying sensor 92. Objects 88 are placed on copying base 94 that is equipped with an elecfro-adhesion device 10. The sensor 92 is moved / dragged across base 84, thereby copying / scanning firmly attached objects 88.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is made from a flexible substance so that the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is able to form part of a feeder of a copier in copiers where the object is moved past a copying sensor of the copier, in use.

In Figure 12, reference numeral 100 generally indicates a toy in accordance with the invention. The toy 100 includes an electro-adhesion device 10 shaped and dimensioned to resemble a human. The elecfro-adhesion device 10 is connected to a support 102 which supports the elecfro-adhesion device 10 in a substantially upright orientation, in use. The support 102 houses a power supply (not shown), substantially as described above, for the elecfro-adhesion device 10. The power supply 10 includes at least one electrochemical cell (not shown). The power supply described above is accordingly modified to run off an electro-chemical cell as its power source.

It is to be appreciated that the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with a plurality of final objects (not shown).

A plurality of final objects are provided, each being suitable for attraction directly to the elecfro-adhesion device 10. For example, a final object may shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble an article of clothing, a clothing accessory, or the like.

At least a part of a final object has a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be attracted to the elecfro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects. Such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is typically less than 1.5. A final object is typically made from materials such as paper or cardboard. In Figure 13, reference numeral 110 generally indicates a multi-layer elecfro- adhesion system, in accordance with the invention. The system 110 includes an elecfro- adhesion device 10 shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with at least one object which the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is designed to attract.

hi other embodiments of the invention, the elecfro-adhesion device 10 is shaped to resemble background scenery, a non-living thing (such as an article of furniture, an article of office equipment, a building structure and the like), a living thing (such as an animal, a human, a tree, or the like) or the like. The human is typically a well-known character.

The system 110 also includes a plurality of intermediate planar objects 112,

114, 116. Each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 is suitable for attraction to the electro- adhesion device 10 and is also suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to the next object to be attracted to that intermediate planar object 112/114/116.

Each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with the elecfro-adhesion device 10 and with each other. For example, intermediate planar object 112 may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble background scenery and intermediate planar object 114 may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble a non-living thing (such as an article of furniture, an article of office equipment, a building structure or the like) or a living thing (such as an animal, a human, a free, or the like). The human may be a well-known character. Parts of intermediate planar object 114 not containing any details are typically made of a translucent material so that corresponding parts of intermediate planar object 112 are visible therethrough.

Each intermediate planar object 112/114/116 has a sufficiently high surface resistivity making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to the object to be attracted to that intermediate planar object, the sufficiently high surface resistivity yet being sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to the elecfro-adhesion device. The high surface resistivity is typically between about 10¹⁶ Ω andlO¹⁷ Ω. Intermediate planar objects 114 and 116 and a part of intermediate planar object 112 have a dielectric constant (Epsilon) of more than 1.5 making them suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to the next object to be attracted to the relevant intermediate planar object 112/114/116. However, the dielectric constant (Epsilon) is also sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to an electro-adhesion device 10.

A part 118 of intermediate planar object 112 has a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making such part 118 suitable to be attracted to the elecfro-adhesion device 10 by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to intermediate planar object 114. Such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is typically less than 1.5. Part 118 can be made from a piece of paper glued to the rest of intermediate planar object 112. Part 118 can be printed, silk-screened or painted on to intermediate planar object 112. Part 118 is typically very thin (preferably less than 20μm) and could be attached to either side of intermediate planar object 112.

Each intermediate planar object 112,114,116 is typically very smooth making each suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to the next object to be attracted to that intermediate planar object 112/114/116. Such smoothness is defined as having a variation of less than 500 μm.

Each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 has a thickness of less than 500 μm making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro- adhesion device 10 to be passed on to the next object to be attracted to that intermediate planar object 112/114/116.

It is to be appreciated that each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 may include a thin film. The thin film may be applied as a laminate. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the intermediate planar object 112/114/116 is in the form of only a thin film such as a PVC film.

It is also to be appreciated that each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 may include a coating. The coating may be applied as a spray-on coating, silk-screen coating, dip-in coating or the like. It is to be appreciated that this includes an embodiment where the intermediate planar object 112/114/116 is in the form of only a coating. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that all details on intermediate planar objects 112, 114, 116 are to be applied with a substance, such as ink or paint, that does not significantly reduce the dielectric constant or surface resistivity of the intermediate planar objects 112, 114, 116 as this adversely influences the transfer of adhesion force through the intermediate planar objects 112, 114, 116. Accordingly, each intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 would then be carefully engineered so that the intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 (including the ink or paint on it) has a high enough dielectric constant to ensure subsequent objects to bond to it with sufficient force, but also engineered to have a low enough dielectric constant for the intermediate planar object 112, 114, 116 to bond to the elecfro-adhesion device 10 with sufficient force.

The system 110 also includes a final object 120 suitable for attraction to the electro-adhesion device 10. The final object 120 is also suitable for attraction to intermediate planar object 116 and it is such an embodiment which is shown in Figure 13.

The final object 120 is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with the electro-adhesion device 10 and intermediate planar object 116. For example, the final object 120 may be shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble an article of clothing, a clothing accessory, or the like. Parts of final object 120 not containing any details are typically made of a franslucent material so that corresponding parts of intermediate planar object 116 are visible therethrough.

The final object 120 has a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be attracted to intermediate planar object 116 by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device 10 to be passed on to other objects. Such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is typically less than 1.5. Accordingly, parts of the final object 120 are typically made from materials such as paper or cardboard.

A plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects and final objects are typically provided so as to create a wide range of varying images.

It is to be appreciated that at least one of a plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects similar to those described in relation to Figure 13 is suitable for attachment to the elecfro-adhesion device 10 shown in Figure 12, between the elecfro- adhesion device 10 and the final object. It is believed that an advantage of the invention is that a whole range of cost effective and viable electro-adhesion devices can be designed, manufactured and sold. It is further believed to be an advantage that a wide range of objects are attracted to the electro- adhesion device with adequate force to be retained in place on an elecfro-adhesion surface of the device.

It is also believed that another advantage of the invention is that a whole new range of copiers and scanners be produced with improved handling capabilities of the object to be copied. It is also believed that improved face up positioning of the objects will result in less spoilt copies and a saving of time.

It is further believed that an advantage of the invention is that a whole new range of toys can be produced where a single electro-adhesion device will be usable with a wide and varied range of characters, scenes and stories. As all the characters, props and backdrops are made of inexpensive PVC film, cardboard or paper, new and low cost scenes can be produced continuously.

Claims

1. A copier which includes : an electro-adhesion device which includes: a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the elecfro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an elecfro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the elecfrodes are energised and an object suitable for copying is positioned adjacent the electro-adhesion surface, the object is atfracted to the elecfro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force to ensure that the object is not able to move freely relative to the elecfro-adhesion surface before and/or during copying.

2. A copier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electro-adhesion device is configured to ensure that, when a surface of the object is positioned adjacent the electro- adhesion surface, the orientation of such surface of the object relative to the electro-adhesion surface is maintained in substantially the same condition as it was positioned in.

3. A copier as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the electro- adhesion device is configured to attract the object to the elecfro-adhesion surface with a suitable adhesion force to allow the object to be removed manually from the electro-adhesion surface.

4. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an outer surface of the electro-adhesion device includes markings for aiding a user in positioning the object on the outer surface, which markings are configured to reflect the relative positioning of the object on the copy to be made.

5. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electro-adhesion device is made from a flexible substance.

6. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a part of the elecfro-adhesion device is franslucent.

7. A copier as claimed in claim 6, wherein the translucent electro-adhesion device is attached to or forms at least a part of a copying surface.

8. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elecfro-adhesion device is attached to or forms part of a lid of the copier, so that the elecfro-adhesion surface faces a copying surface of the copier, in use.

9. A copier as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elecfro-adhesion device is positioned on the lid in a manner aligning the electro-adhesion surface with the copying surface of the copier, in use.

10. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, which includes a handheld copying sensor for facilitating copying, in which case the elecfro-adhesion device is provided as a unit separate from the handheld copying sensor or connected to the handheld copying sensor.

11. A copier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electro-adhesion device forms part of a feeder of the copier in a copier where the object is moved past a copying sensor of the copier, in use.

12. An elecfro-adhesion device which includes a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the elecfro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an elecfro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and an object to be attracted is placed adjacent the elecfro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the elecfro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force, wherein the elecfrodes are screen-printed onto a suitable surface.

13. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electrodes are formed from conductive ink screen-printed onto the suitable surface.

14. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in either one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the suitable surface has a high surface resistivity.

15. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the resistivity is more than 10⁸ Ω.

16. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the suitable surface is fixed onto the base of the electro-adhesion device.

17. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the base of the electro-adhesion device defines the suitable surface onto which the elecfrodes are screen-printed.

18. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, which includes an insulating cover over the elecfrodes, which insulating cover defines the suitable surface onto which the electrodes are screen-printed and wherein the elecfrodes are screen- printed onto the unexposed surface of the insulating cover.

19. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least a part of the insulating cover defines the base of the elecfro-adhesion device.

20. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in either one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the insulating cover completely encloses the electrodes so as to ensure isolation of the elecfrodes and to prevent humidity gaining access to the electrodes.

21. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the insulating cover is formed from two tensioned sheets sandwiching the electrodes and wherein at least the edges of the sheets are matched and joined together.

22. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the base, the electrodes, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover are made from a flexible substance.

23. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein the base, the elecfrodes, the suitable surface, and/or the insulating cover are made from a translucent substance.

24. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the electrodes are formed from translucent conductive ink screen-printed onto the suitable surface.

25. An elecfro-adhesion device which includes a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the elecfro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an elecfro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the electrodes are energised and an object to be attracted is placed adjacent the elecfro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force, wherein the electrodes have a distributed resistance large enough to reduce the risk of a user being harmed when touching an electrode regardless of where on the electrode the user touches.

26. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the resistivity and design of the electrodes are such that a short circuit between any two point on the electrodes will allow a maximum of 2mA to flow anywhere in the elecfrode.

27. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in either one of claims 25 or 26, wherein the elecfrodes are screen-printed onto a suitable surface.

28. A power supply for an electro-adhesion device, which power supply includes a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; and a fusing means connected in series to an input path of the multiplier so that the multiplier is connectable to a mains power source via the fusing means, wherein the fusing means is configured to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw more than a maximum allowable current from the mains power source.

29. A power supply as claimed in claim 28, wherein the multiplier is configured to step-up the mains power source to a voltage suitable for the powering electro-adhesion device.

30. A power supply as claimed in either one of claims 28 or 29, wherein the fusing means breaks the connection by becoming open circuited.

31. A power supply as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the maximum allowable input current is determined by the power supply output impedance. A fuse capable of delivering not more current to the power supply than when the power supply drive into a short circuit at the output, be used. Any input current higher than the said current depicts a fault condition in the power supply and should activate the fuse.

32. A power supply as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the fusing means is in the form of at least one low current fuse. The fuse current rating should be calculated taking the power supply output impedance into account.

33. A power supply as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the fusing means is in the form of at least one low value, low wattage resistor selected to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw more than the maximum allowable current value from the mains power supply.

34. A power supply as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein at least a first capacitor of the multiplier, counted from the input of the multiplier, is in the form of a safety capacitor which is designed to fail open circuit, should it fail.

35. A power supply for an elecfro-adhesion device which power supply includes a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; and at least one high value resistance, each resistance connected in series to at least one output path of the multiplier so as to create a high output impedance for the power supply.

36. A power supply as claimed in claim 35, wherein the resistance value of the least one high value resistance is configured to create a high output impedance of at least

500kΩ.

37. A power supply as claimed in either one of claims 35 or 36, wherein each high value resistance includes a plurality of high value resistors configured to provide a high output impedance of at least 500kΩ.

38. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a power supply for an elecfro-adhesion device which power supply includes a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier; at least one high value resistance, each resistance connected in series to at least one output path of the multiplier so as to create a high output impedance; and a fusing means connected in series to an input path of the multiplier so that the multiplier is connectable to a mains power source via the fusing means wherein the fusing means is configured to break the connection between the mains power source and the multiplier should the multiplier draw more than a maximum allowable current from the mains power supply a first capacitor of the multiplier, counted from the input of the multiplier, is in the form of a safety capacitor which is designed to fail open circuit, should it fail

39. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing for a power supply as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 38.

40. A housing as claimed in claim 39, which is configured so as to allow the power supply to be connected, in use, proximate to the mains power source connection.

41. A housing as claimed in either one of claims 39 or 40, which is configured so as to form a connector for connection, in use, to the mains power source connection.

42. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41, which is in the form of a conventional plug having at least a live prong and a neutral prong.

43. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 42, which houses the power supply.

44. An elecfro-adhesion device shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with at least one object which the elecfro-adhesion device is designed to attract, the elecfro- adhesion device including a base made of a substance chosen to minimise electrical leakage from the elecfro- adhesion device by having a high bulk resistivity; and at least two thin electrically conductive electrodes located apart from each other on the base so as to define an electro-adhesion surface so that, in use, when the elecfrodes are energised and the at least one object to be attracted is placed adjacent the elecfro-adhesion surface, the object is attracted to the electro-adhesion surface by a suitably high adhesion force.

45. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 44, which is shaped and/or detailed to resemble background scenery.

46. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in either one of claims 44 or 45, which is shaped and/or detailed to resemble a living thing.

47. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the living thing is in the form of a human being.

48. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in either one of claims 44 or 45, which is shaped to resemble a non-living thing.

49. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 48, which is connected to a support which supports the elecfro-adhesion device in a particular orientation.

50. An elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 49, wherein the support houses a power supply for the elecfro-adhesion device.

51. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in claim 50, wherein the power supply is configured to run off at least one electro-chemical cell.

52. An electro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the at least one object which the elecfro-adhesion device is designed to attract is a planar object.

53. An intermediate planar object suitable for attraction to an elecfro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 51 and suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object.

54. An intermediate planar object as claimed in claim 53, wherein at least a part of the intermediate planar object has a sufficiently high surface resistivity making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object, the sufficiently high surface resistivity yet being sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to the elecfro- adhesion device.

55. An intermediate planar object as claimed in claim 54, wherein the high surface resistivity is between 10¹⁶ Ω andlO¹⁷ Ω.

56. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least a part of the intermediate planar object has a dielectric constant (Epsilon) of more than 1.5 making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be atfracted to the intermediate planar object, the dielectric constant (Epsilon) yet being sufficiently low to make it suitable for attraction to the elecfro-adhesion device.

57. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein a part of the intermediate planar object has a low dielectric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be atfracted to the elecfro-adhesion device by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be attracted to the intermediate planar object.

58. An intermediate planar object as claimed in claim 57, wherein such low dielectric constant (Epsilon) is less than 1.5.

59. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein at least a part of the intermediate planar object is very smooth making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be atfracted to the intermediate planar object.

60. An intermediate planar object as claimed in claim 59, wherein such smoothness is defined as having a variation of less than 500 μm.

61. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 60, wherein at least a part of the intermediate planar object has a thickness of less than 500 μm making it suitable to allow at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the electro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects to be atfracted to the intermediate planar object.

62. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 61, which includes a thin film.

63. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 61, which includes a coating.

64. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 63, wherein at least a part of the intermediate planar object is made of a translucent material.

65. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 64, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with the electro-adhesion device.

66. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 65, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with another intermediate planar object.

67. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 66, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble background scenery.

68. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 67, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble a living thing.

69. An intermediate planar object as claimed in claim 68, wherein the living thing is in the form of a human.

70. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 68, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble a non-living thing.

71. An intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 70, wherein a plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects are provided.

72. A final object suitable for attraction to an electro-adhesion device as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 51.

73. A final object as claimed in claim 72, which is suitable for attraction to an intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 71, which intermediate planar object is attracted, in use, to the elecfro-adhesion device.

74. A final object as claimed in either one of claims 72 or 73, wherein at least a part of the final object has a low dielecfric constant (Epsilon) making it suitable to be attracted to the elecfro-adhesion device by a suitably high adhesion force but unsuitable for allowing at least a part of an adhesion force caused by the elecfro-adhesion device to be passed on to other objects.

75. A final object as claimed in claim 74, wherein such low dielecfric constant (Epsilon) is less than 2.

76. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 75, which is in the form of a final planar obj ect.

77. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 76, which includes a thin film.

78. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 76, which includes a coating.

79. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 78, wherein at least a part of the final object is made from a translucent material.

80. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 79, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with the elecfro-adhesion device.

81. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 80, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed so as to be compatible with an intermediate planar object as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 71.

82. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 81, which is shaped, dimensioned and detailed to resemble an article of clothing, a clothing accessory, or the like.

83. A final object as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 82, wherein a plurality of different types of final objects are provided.

84. A toy which includes an elecfro-adhesion device shaped and dimensioned so as to be compatible with at least one object which the elecfro-adhesion device is designed to attract, as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 51; and a plurality of different types of final objects, as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 83, being provided with the electro-adhesion device.

85. A toy as claimed in claim 84, wherein a plurality of different types of intermediate planar objects, as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 71, also being provided with the elecfro-adhesion device.

86. A power supply suitable to power an elecfro-adhesion surface in the form of a voltage multiplier configured in such a way as to provide a negative output voltage with respect to the mains supply voltage on one output and a positive output voltage with respect to the mains supply voltage on the other output.

87 A power supply as claimed in 86 where the one output voltage is more than

+500V and the other output voltage is less than -500V with respect to any of the mains supply terminals.

88. A copier, an elecfro-adhesion device, a power supply for an elecfro-adhesion device, a housing for a power supply, an intermediate planar object, a final object, and a toy according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.

89. A copier, an elecfro-adhesion device, a power supply for an electro-adhesion device, a housing for a power supply, an intermediate planar object, a final object, and a toy as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

90. A copier, an elecfro-adhesion device, a power supply for an electro-adhesion device, a housing for a power supply, an intermediate planar object, a final object, and a toy including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as hereinbefore described.