This effect si known as the Electrostatic Induction effetct... machine is from lord kelvin...
here are the effects in general.
Electrostatic Induction is created when water falls inbetwen metal sphere.
A "step charge" is created and high voltage accumulate.
a threshold voltage causes air dielectric breakdown to occur and spark gap is closed.
before this happens a visual effect on the water drops can be seen as water starts to expand in free fall.
The idea is this.. supress the discharge from occuring within the air gap.
Replacing the Air gap with the Stan meyer WFC.
Use the VIC circuit to interface with electrodes.
Use triger circuit to control discharge into WFC.