Patents by Inventor Igor Botvinnik
Igor Botvinnik 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).
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Publication number: 20080030919Abstract: A strip-shaped emitter electrode including at least one emission edge extending along the length of such emitter electrode. When the strip-shaped emitter electrode is coupled to a voltage supply, current or an electrical charge at the emission edge ionizes the air and generates corona discharge, resulting in ion production. Erosion occurs at the emission edge such that the lifespan of the strip emitter electrode is dependent, at least in part, on the width of the strip emitter electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: SHARPER IMAGE CORPORATIONInventor: Igor Botvinnik
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Publication number: 20070210734Abstract: An air treatment apparatus that includes an electrode assembly, a voltage supply, a current sensing device operably coupled to the electrode assembly, and a voltage control device coupled the current sensing device and the voltage supply. The voltage control device is configured to regulate the level of voltage based on the level of current flowing through the current sensing device to maintain the voltage and current in the electrode assembly within designated ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: SHARPER IMAGE CORPORATIONInventors: Igor Botvinnik, Charles Taylor
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Publication number: 20060203416Abstract: An air conditioning device comprises a substantially thin collector electrode capable of forming ions at a front and/or rear edge when charged. The thin collector electrode preferably having an insulating material disposed on the front and/or rear edge to prevent ions from being emitted therefrom. The collector electrode capable of being in the form of a thin elongated blade whereby an emitter electrode is upstream of the front edge or alternatively downstream of the front edge. The collector electrode alternatively in the form of a cylindrical structure or a porous grid having a plurality of air passageway cells therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060021509Abstract: An air transporting and/or conditioning device comprising a housing having an inlet grill and an outlet grill, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, a driver electrode removable from the housing independent of the collector electrode and the grills. The driver electrode is preferably removable from the housing through a side portion of the housing. Preferably, the driver electrode is insulated with a dielectric material and/or a catalyst. Preferably, a removable trailing electrode is configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode. Preferably, a first voltage source electrically is coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically is coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018811Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018807Abstract: An air transporting and/or conditioning system comprising a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, and a integrally shielded germicidal lamp to selectively direct UV light emitted therefrom. The system preferably includes a driver electrode is preferably removable from the housing through a side portion of the housing. Preferably, the driver electrode is insulated with a dielectric material and/or a catalyst. Preferably, a removable trailing electrode is configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode. Preferably, a first voltage source electrically is coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically is coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018808Abstract: An air transporting and/or conditioning device comprising a housing having an inlet grill and an outlet grill, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, a driver electrode removable from the housing independent of the collector electrode and the grills. The driver electrode is preferably removable from the housing through a side portion of the housing. Preferably, the driver electrode is insulated with a dielectric material and/or a catalyst. Preferably, a removable trailing electrode is configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode. Preferably, a first voltage source electrically is coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically is coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060016333Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060016336Abstract: An air transporting-conditioning device comprising: a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, a removable trailing electrode configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode, a first voltage source electrically coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, wherein the first voltage source energizes the emitter and collector electrodes to create a flow of air downstream from the emitter electrode to the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source. The housing includes a grill, whereby the trailing electrode is removably secured to the grill. Alternatively, the trailing electrode is removable from the housing by other means or fixed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018076Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018812Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to air conditioner systems and methods. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector electrode that is downstream from the emitter electrode. The emitter electrode has a plurality of pins axially arranged about a center. Preferably, the pins are arranged in a circle about the center. A driver electrode is located within the interior of the collector electrode. Preferably, although not necessarily, the driver electrode is insulated. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The embodiments as described herein have some or all of the advantages of increasing the particle collection efficiency, increasing the rate and/or volume of airflow, reducing arcing, and/or reducing the amount of ozone generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2005Publication date: January 26, 2006Inventors: Charles Taylor, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018809Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060018810Abstract: An air transporting and/or conditioning device comprising a housing having an inlet grill and an outlet grill, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, a driver electrode removable from the housing independent of the collector electrode and the grills. The driver electrode is preferably removable from the housing through a side portion of the housing. Preferably, the driver electrode is insulated with a dielectric material and/or a catalyst. Preferably, a removable trailing electrode is configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode. Preferably, a first voltage source electrically is coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically is coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2004Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20060016337Abstract: An air transporting-conditioning device comprising: a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode. The device preferably increases the ions produced for a period after the device is initially turned on, wherein the device automatically decreases ion production after the desired period. The device preferably includes a first and second voltage source to selectively increase and decrease voltages applied to the emitter and/or collector electrode to adjust the ion production. In one embodiment, the device includes a voltage controller to selectively adjust the voltage provided by the voltage source for the start up period and normal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2005Publication date: January 26, 2006Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20050194583Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to air conditioner systems and methods. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector electrode that is downstream from the emitter electrode. The emitter electrode has a plurality of pins axially arranged about a center. Preferably, the pins are arranged in a circle about the center. A driver electrode is located within the interior of the collector electrode. Preferably, although not necessarily, the driver electrode is insulated. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The embodiments as described herein have some or all of the advantages of increasing the particle collection efficiency, increasing the rate and/or volume of airflow, reducing arcing, and/or reducing the amount of ozone generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Taylor, Andrew Parker, Igor Botvinnik, Shek Lau, Gregory Snyder, John Reeves
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Publication number: 20050194246Abstract: Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and methods are provided. A system includes a pin emitter electrode and a ring collector electrode located downstream from the emitter electrode. A driver electrode, which is preferably insulated, is located at least partially within an interior of said ring collector electrode. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of said emitter electrode and said collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The driver electrode may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector electrode. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Igor Botvinnik, Andrew Parker, Charles Taylor
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Publication number: 20050152818Abstract: Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and methods are provided. A system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least a one collector (and likely, at least a pair of collector electrodes) that are downstream from the emitter electrode. An insulated driver electrode is located adjacent a collector electrode, and where there is at least a pair of collector electrodes, between each pair of collector electrodes. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to the at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode(s), to thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector electrode(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2004Publication date: July 14, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Igor Botvinnik, Andrew Parker, Charles Taylor
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Publication number: 20050082160Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner systems and methods. An electro-kinetic air conditioner device includes an inner hollow cylindrical mesh electrode having a first radius and an outer hollow cylindrical mesh electrode having a second radius that is larger than the first radius. The second hollow cylindrical mesh electrode surrounds the first hollow cylindrical mesh electrode. At least one emitter electrode is located within and generally parallel to the first hollow cylindrical electrode. A voltage source provides a high voltage potential difference between each emitter electrode and the inner hollow cylindrical mesh electrode. The outer hollow mesh electrode is preferably grounded, as well as insulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 21, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventor: Igor Botvinnik
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Publication number: 20050051028Abstract: Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) systems and methods are provided. A system includes at least one corona discharge electrode and at least one collector (and likely, at least a pair of collector electrodes) that extend downstream from the corona discharge electrode. An insulated driver electrode is located adjacent the collector electrode, and where there is at least a pair of collector electrodes, between each pair of collector electrodes. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to the at least one of the corona discharge electrode and the collector electrode(s), to thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the corona discharge electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector electrode(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2004Publication date: March 10, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventor: Igor Botvinnik
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Publication number: 20050051420Abstract: Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and methods are provided. A system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least a one collector (and likely, at least a pair of collector electrodes) that are downstream from the emitter electrode. An insulated driver electrode is located adjacent a collector electrode, and where there is at least a pair of collector electrodes, between each pair of collector electrodes. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to the at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode(s), to thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector electrode(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2003Publication date: March 10, 2005Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Igor Botvinnik, Andrew Parker, Charles Taylor