Fowler Associates Labs

By: Elizabeth Nelson

I haven't been shocked getting in and out of my car in weeks and neither has my co-worker Steve. Why? We've been using a new product called "Antishock." It's a small brush that attaches to your keychain and keeps you from feeling a "zap" when you exit your car. It's easy to use- when I take my keys from my ignition and before I open my door, I simply brush the antishock on my doorhandle. You can brush Antishock on any metal part of you car- lock, door handle, etc. Then, before I get back in the car, I brush the key lock to prevent being shocked entering my car.

I know what you're thinking- How does this product work? Simple- TEX-STAT uses special conductive fibers and a special handle that is specially designed from conductive plastic. TEX-STAT, CO. is the inventor and the supplier of the Antishock. Their special fibers and handle help attain the most effective dissipation of static electricity. As long as the brush or the brush's handle touches metal before you do, you will never get shocked getting in and out of your car again.

Keeping people from being shocked on their cars is not the only use for the antishock. This brush can also be used to clean camera lenses. The brush prevents attraction and accumulation of unwanted dust on lenses. If you're concerned about dust on other electronics, just brush them with Antishock. This is a product that everyone who hates being shocked by their car should try. You'll never have to worry about being "zapped" again!!!!

New Development!!!!!

We have been passing these brushes around to our friends and colleges, and Cindy (employee at Milliken) has made a 'shocking' discovery. She attached the brush to her nametag, and hasn't been shocked at all when the nametag is on. All last week at work, the brush was clipped on and the shocking stopped. The only problem was that she didn't wear the tag over the weekend and claims "I was shocked all day Saturday because I was without the nametag and brush."

Brent Beamer (Static Control Components, Inc.) pointed out that a metal car key can perform the same function as the brush by simply touching the flat edge to the car body. This has been in use for years. The only problem with using a metal key is that it causes an abrupt arc, whereas the brush creates a non abrupt corona. We recommend the brush for the easiest way to eliminate static without any harsh arcs.

UPDATE:

ESD Journal recently discovered claims on the internet for a product similar to the Antishock Brush. The product looks effective; however, we have found that the product does not match the properties of the Antishock Brush from TexStat. The brush does not provide a spark point (like Brent Beamer pointed out with the car key example). In the case of the brush, it may provide corona ionization at higher field potentials. See this product at: www.texstat.com