Patents by Inventor Edward C. McKinney

Edward C. McKinney 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).

  • Patent number: 7959869
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7798335
    Abstract: An apparatus for organizing articles of clothing is disclosed, including a housing having first and second drums rotatably mounted thereto. A drive system is used for rotating a belt around the first and second drums. The belt includes a plurality of hooks for hanging articles thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus mounts on a closet rod and further includes a posterior end with an adjustable telescoping sleeve to stabilize the mounted apparatus against a wall. The apparatus can include a removable battery pack mounted to the underside of the apparatus. The removable battery pack can have a light bulb mounted on it to illuminate the selection of articles on the hooks. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rod-mounting apparatus that has a length that prevents or minimizes entanglement of articles hanging on the apparatus with other articles hanging near the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20090304217
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a holder coupled to the housing, an output device coupled to the housing, and a cable module. The cable module includes a cable configured to move relative to the cable module and connect with a portable media device located within the holder to communicate a media signal from the portable media device to the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: SHARPER IMAGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard J. Thalheimer, Edward C. McKinney, Frederick M. Schechter, Eric C. Blair, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 7399198
    Abstract: A device with speakers can include a cable unit with a connection plug connectable to a portable media unit. The cable can provide an audio signal from the portable media unit to a speaker of the device. The cable be attached to the portable media unit. A removable module for housing the plug and cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Thalheimer, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7024280
    Abstract: A robot with an edge detector and two operating modes. The first operating mode is a remote control mode. The second operating mode is a processor controlled mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark H. Duncan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6984987
    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.
  • Patent number: 6974560
    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.
  • Patent number: 6955267
    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.
  • Patent number: 6915911
    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: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker, David Caplan
  • Patent number: 6911186
    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: June 28, 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.
  • Patent number: 6905035
    Abstract: An apparatus can be used for organizing clothing accessories such as jewelry, neckties, scarves, and other items. The apparatus can hang from a closet rod and has a slidable track so that the items hanging from hooks attached to the slidable track can be easily accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6902070
    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: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040251909
    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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Greg S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20040246829
    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: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20040232094
    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: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
  • Patent number: 6821355
    Abstract: An automatic eyeglass cleaner is provided in accordance with the invention. A specially formulated cleaning and conditioning solution is also provided for use with the automatic cleaner. A tank in the automatic cleaner is filled with the cleaning and conditioning solution; the eyewear is folded up and clipped to the bottom of the open lid of the cleaner, then the lid is closed to lower the eyewear into the solution. The cleaning cycle starts with the push of a button and the eyewear is agitated in the solution. The cleaning cycle stops automatically after a pre-set time, the lid pops up and any excess solution is shaken off the eyewear by the cleaner leaving a thin film on the lenses. A microfiber cloth is used to give the lenses a final touch-up that helps fill in microscopic scratches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Sik-Leung Chan, John S. Efroymson
  • 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: 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: 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: 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