Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air-conditioning system therein, whereby the air-conditioning system preferably includes at least one emitter electrode, at least one collector electrode, at least one driver electrode disposed adjacent to the collector electrode, and/or at least one trailing electrode positioned downstream of the collector electrode. The collector electrode and the driver electrode are removable from the device. In one embodiment, the driver electrodes are removable from the device and/or the collector electrode. The ability of remove the collector electrode as well as driver electrode allow for easy cleaning of the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present device includes a removable exhaust grill upon which the driver electrode and/or the trailing electrode are coupled to. The removable grill allows the user to easily clean the driver electrode without having to remove the collector electrode.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 8, 2004
Publication date:
January 26, 2006
Applicant:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and suppressing arcing between a first electrode and a second electrode of an electro-kinetic system. A current (or voltage) associated with the electro-kinetic system is monitored in order to adjust a first count and a second count. Each time a monitored value reaches a threshold, the first count is incremented. Each time the first count reaches a first count threshold, the electro-kinetic system is temporarily shut down for a predetermined period, the second count is incremented, and the first count is re-initialized. The electro-kinetic system restarts after the predetermined period. When the second count reaches a second count threshold, the electro-kinetic system is shut-down until a reset condition is satisfied.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 23, 2003
Date of Patent:
January 10, 2006
Assignee:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Greg S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
Abstract: A removable quick assembly base configured to be coupled to an air movement apparatus. The base comprises a first post component and a second post component adapted to coupled to one another to form a post. The base includes a first base component and a second base component adapted to be coupled to one another to form a base, whereby the base is coupled to the post. The base includes a collar for securing the first and second base components to the post, wherein the collar is removably coupled to the post. The collar is positioned beneath the first and second base components when coupled to the post. The collar is preferably circular and has a threaded interior surface configured to couple to a threaded portion of the post. The base further comprises one or more attachments for retaining a cord, whereby the attachments are located under the base.
Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The airflow is subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. The device can also include a third or leading or focus electrode located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes, and/or an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, and/or an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 12, 2002
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2005
Assignee:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
Abstract: Methods for cleaning a first group of electrodes contained within an air conditioner are provided. A second group of electrodes within the air conditioner has a cleaning device fastened therewith. The cleaning device engages the first group of electrodes. A method includes removing the second group of electrodes from the air conditioner, and replacing the second group of electrodes back into the air conditioner.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 22, 2004
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2005
Assignee:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 9, 2002
Date of Patent:
November 1, 2005
Assignee:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker
Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an air transporter-conditioner having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. An ion generator is disposed within the housing, the ion generator being adapted to create an airflow between the inlet and the outlet. The ion generator can comprise a emitter electrode array and a collector electrode array, with a voltage generator electrically connecting the arrays. A grid having a photocatalytic coating can further be disposed within the housing such that the grid is upstream of the arrays, and within an airflow generated by the ion generator. An activator, for example a UV lamp, can still further be disposed within the housing and upstream of the arrays, and positioned such that the grid is irradiated by UV light from the UV lamp, activating the photocatalyst and causing VOCs to breakdown in the presence of the photocatalyst.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 22, 2004
Publication date:
October 27, 2005
Applicant:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Gregory Snyder, Andrew Parker, Charles Taylor
Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
Abstract: An air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator that provides a voltage potential difference between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.
Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of DVD boxes or containers in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired DVD is moved to the top fan-out region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two DVD boxes in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of DVD selection. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 30, 2003
Date of Patent:
October 18, 2005
Assignee:
Sharper Image Corporation
Inventors:
Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and method of effectively training an animal utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. The present invention is directed to a dispensing apparatus which is used in conjunction with a novel training process, whereby the trainer utilizes the dispensing apparatus to timely dispense food pellets when the animal executes a command or complies with an expected behavior. It is preferred that the dispensing apparatus is controlled by a remote control and/or a target wand. The timing at which the apparatus dispenses food pellets, in conjunction with executed command or behavior compliance trains the animal that more of the same is expected and will be rewarded. A novel protocol incorporates the dispensing device to train the animal which is simple and effective for the animal and user.