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: 20030209420
    Abstract: An air-transporter conditioner device includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. An electro-kinetic system is disposed in the housing to create an airflow moving from the inlet to the outlet. A timer measures a time period corresponding to the electro-kinetic system and causes an indicator light to illuminate when the measured period reaches a threshold. An arc sensing circuit detects arcing between the first and second electrode arrays of the electro-kinetic system. The electro-kinetic system is turned off in response to arcing being detected by the arc sensing circuit. An indicator light can also specify that arcing has been detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030206839
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030206840
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030206837
    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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20030192563
    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 electrodes. An outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6632407
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030165410
    Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner apparatus includes a portable housing defining an inlet vent and an outlet vent, and an air channel therebetween. An elector-kinetic system generates an air flow through the air channel. A germicidal ultraviolet lamp is disposed in the housing such that UV radiation emitted from the lamp radiates at least a portion of the air channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030159918
    Abstract: An electronic device generates an output airflow that maybe subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The airflow preferably is created electro-kinetically by coupling a high voltage across an electrode system that includes emitter and collector electrodes. The airflow is also accompanied by generation of ions and/or ozone. If desired, airflow maybe created with a fan instead of, or to augment, electro-kinetic generation. The device optionally includes a moisture-containing material whose proximity to the airflow can augment humidity in the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6611734
    Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, arms with a hand grip, legs, several sensors, light elements, an audio system, and a video system. The sensors allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The light elements allow the robot to express moods. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video system allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes, including modes that allow the robot to operate autonomously. The robot may operate autonomously in an automatic mode, a security mode, a greet mode, and a monitor mode. Further, the robot is manipulated remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor, John Paul Reeves
  • Publication number: 20030147783
    Abstract: An electronic device generates an output airflow that may be subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The airflow preferably is created electro-kinetically by coupling a high voltage across an electrode system that includes emitter and collector electrodes. The airflow is also accompanied by generation of ions and/or ozone. Means, such as one or more vanes, are provided to increase the amount of time that the airflow is subjected to UV radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030147786
    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: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6604022
    Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, arms with a hand grip, legs, several sensors, light elements, an audio system, and a video system. The sensors allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The light elements allow the robot to express moods. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video system allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes, including modes that allow the robot to operate autonomously. The robot may operate autonomously in an automatic mode, a security mode, a greet mode, and a monitor mode. Further, the robot is manipulated remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark Duncan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6588434
    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: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6585935
    Abstract: A footwear sanitizing device is insertable into footwear to be sanitized. The device includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects the footwear to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays disposed in a pair of electrode assemblies. Preferably each first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise at least one 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 between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20030072697
    Abstract: An electronic device generates an output airflow that maybe subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The airflow preferably is created electro-kinetically by coupling a high voltage across an electrode system that includes emitter and collector electrodes. The airflow is also accompanied by generation of ions and/or ozone. If desired, airflow maybe created with a fan instead of, or to augment, electro-kinetic generation. The device optionally includes a moisture-containing material whose proximity to the airflow can augment humidity in the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6544485
    Abstract: An electronic device generates an output airflow that is subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The airflow preferably is created electro-kinetically by coupling high voltage pulses across an electrode system that includes small radius first array electrodes and larger radius second array electrodes. The airflow is also accompanied by generation of ions and/or ozone. If desired, airflow may be created with a fan instead of, or to augment, electro-kinetic generation. The device optionally includes a moisture-containing material whose proximity to the airflow can augment humidity in the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030047526
    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: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20030047525
    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: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20030049098
    Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, arms with a hand grip, legs, several sensors, light elements, an audio system, and a video system. The sensors allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The light elements allow the robot to express moods. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video system allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes, including modes that allow the robot to operate autonomously. The robot may operate autonomously in an automatic mode, a security mode, a greet mode, and a monitor mode. Further, the robot can be manipulated remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor, John Paul Reeves
  • Publication number: 20030042216
    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 interconnected 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: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Tristan M. Christianson, Edward C. McKinney