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).

  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6615770
    Abstract: An electronic device detects the presence of an animal such as a pet in a protected area and outputs a deterrent signal that preferably includes the voice of the pet's owner admonishing the animal. The animal is detected by sensing at least one of sound, heat, vibration, and motion. The deterrent signal may include loud noises, and signals audible to the animal but not to humans. The deterrent signal may also include bursts of light. The device can vary the nature and quality of the deterrent signal if the animal remains near the protected area for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse F. Patterson, Tristan M. Christianson, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Andrew J. Parker
  • 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: 6594551
    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: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6581797
    Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Jesse F. Patterson
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6507773
    Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, two arms, two legs, several sensors, an audio system, a light assembly, and a video device. The sensors located throughout the body of the robot combined with an edge detection sensor allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video device allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes which 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 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
  • Publication number: 20030009261
    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: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark Duncan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030006242
    Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Jesse F. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20030004611
    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: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20020189551
    Abstract: An electronic device detects the presence of an animal such as a pet in a protected area and outputs a deterrent signal that preferably includes the voice of the pet's owner admonishing the animal. The animal is detected by sensing at least one of sound, heat, vibration, and motion. The deterrent signal may include loud noises, and signals audible to the animal but not to humans. The deterrent signal may also include bursts of light. The device can vary the nature and quality of the deterrent signal if the animal remains near the protected area for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jesse F. Patterson, Tristan M. Christianson, Edward C. McKinney, Andrew J. Parker
  • Publication number: 20020193908
    Abstract: The present invention is a robot which incorporates abode, two arms, two legs, several sensors, an audio system, a light assembly, and a video device. The sensors located throughout the body of the robot combined with an edge detection sensor allows the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. The audio system allows the robot to detect and transmit sounds. The video device allows a user to remotely view the area in front of the robot. Additionally, the robot may operate in a plurality of modes which 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: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark Duncan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020170869
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for organizing clothing accessories such as jewelry, neckties, scarves, and other like items. The organizer 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. The organizer provides dynamic motion of the slidable track without the need for electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Edward C. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20020155041
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner creates airflow with an electrode assembly that includes a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes. The innermost electrodes of the second array are preferably located further away from the first array than the outermost electrodes in the second array. This non-equidistant configuration equalizes the electrical fields created at the tip of each electrode within the second array. Reducing the electrical field at the innermost electrodes also reduces the amount of ozone generated by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Charles E. Taylor, Jim L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020135476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound and motion activated controller adapted for turning on or off lights as either functional levers or an appliance controlled by the controller. The controller contains at least one motion sensor capable of detecting movement within a defined range and at least one sound sensor capable of detecting sound above a minimum threshold. The controller may also control the sensitivity of the motion sensor and the sound sensor. Further, the controller can adjust the intensity of the lighting within the room by use of a toggle control device located on the controller. Additionally, a mode control button allows a user to select whether the controller will operate in an automatic mode or a manual mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Shek Fai Lau, Charles E. Taylor, Richard J. Thalheimer
  • Patent number: 6431719
    Abstract: A self-contained night light is disposed in a housing containing spaced-apart male AC prongs the mate with an AC socket. The housing contains an array of differently colored, preferably light emitting diode. Light sources that can dynamically output different patterns of differently colored light in response to drive signals. A microcontroller executes a sequence of instructions causing the controller to output different sequences of signals that are coupled to a driver unit that drives the light sources. The result is that the array dynamically produces different patterns of differently colored light. A user operable control allows a viewer to “freeze” any desired pattern of light, such that until reset, the night light will continue to output a static pattern of colors. The night light may include a manual or light-sensing ON/OFF switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Richard J. Thalheimer