Patents by Inventor Charles E. Taylor

Charles E. Taylor has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040222112
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: The Sharper Image
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040220698
    Abstract: A robot uses an infrared sensor including an infrared light source which produces pulses of infrared light. Optics focus reflections of the infrared light pulses from different portions of the environment of the robot to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce an indication of the distance to the closest object in an associated portion of the environment. The robot can use the indications to determine features in the environment. The robot can be controlled to avoid these features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau, Eric C. Blair, Andrew Heninger, Eric Ng, Patricia I. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20040211444
    Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau, Eric C. Blair, Andrew Heninger, Eric Ng
  • Publication number: 20040204792
    Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau, Eric C. Blair, Andrew Heninger, Eric Ng
  • Publication number: 20040202547
    Abstract: An environmental sensor is used to determine a voltage output for a high voltage generator used along with first and second electrodes in an air transporter-conditioner system. In one embodiment, the environmental sensor is a particulate detector. If a low level of particulate is detected, a low output level can be used. If a high level of particulate is detected, a high output of the generator can be used. The environmental sensor can be also used as an ozone detector or a passive IR detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20040200505
    Abstract: A robot cleaning system uses a robot cleaner and a unit. The unit is connected to power the robot cleaner by a power cord. The robot cleaner can move around a room while being powered by the unit. In one embodiment, the unit is connected to a power socket by another power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Shek Fai Lau, Eric C. Blair, Andrew Heninger, Eric Ng
  • Publication number: 20040191134
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6786338
    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: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040170542
    Abstract: An electronic device electro-kinetically generates an airflow by providing a potential difference between a first electrode array and a second electrode array. The first electrode array includes at least one generally tubular electrode. The second electrode array includes at least inner and outer generally tubular electrodes electrically connected to one another, with the inner electrode located at least partially within the outer electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040096376
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6713026
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20040055975
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040047775
    Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone, and includes a water retaining element to increase humidity of the output air flow. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first electrode array includes first and second pointed electrodes, and the second electrode array includes annular-like electrodes having a central opening coaxial with the associated pointed electrode. The surface of the annular-like electrodes is smooth and continuous through the opening and into a collar region through which the air flows. A water retaining member is disposed surrounding the output airflow to increase humidity of the output air, which is substantially cleansed of particulate matter, and contains safe amounts of ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040045918
    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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040033176
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulate 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Jim L. Lee, Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6672315
    Abstract: A brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects material being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6670608
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a gas sampling system, and specifically to a gas sampling system for transporting a hazardous process gas to a remotely located mass spectrometer. The gas sampling system includes a capillary tube having a predetermined capillary length and capillary diameter in communication with the supply of process gas and the mass spectrometer, a flexible tube surrounding and coaxial with the capillary tube intermediate the supply of process gas and the mass spectrometer, a heat transfer tube surrounding and coaxial with the capillary tube, and a heating device in communication the heat transfer tube for substantially preventing condensation of the process gas within the capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward P. Ladner
  • Publication number: 20030226813
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030226814
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030221888
    Abstract: The present invention is a retrofit kit that mechanically attaches to a push scooter. The retrofit kit converts the push scooter into an electrically driven scooter. The retrofit kit includes a bracket that may attach to the rear fork of the scooter so that the existing components of the scooter do not need to be modified. Components of the retrofit kit can also be used to originally manufacture the scooter. A motor assembly and a battery are supported on the scooter. The motor assembly includes a roller that frictionally engages and drives the rear wheel of the scooter when an individual activates a throttle assembly. In another embodiment, the motor assembly is located between a floorboard and a rear wheel and a foot brake is located aft of the rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Andrew J. Parker, Jesse F. Patterson, Charles E. Taylor