Patents by Inventor Tristan M. Christianson

Tristan M. Christianson 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 20020139382
    Abstract: A nail care system which contains a portable case, drying compartments and drying compartment covers. The drying compartments are vertically oriented on opposite sides of the portable case. The drying compartment covers are pivotally mounted to the portable case and open and close like a gull-wing type door. The vertically oriented drying compartments allow the user to place their hands in a comfortable, vertical position in front of them during the drying process. The vertical orientation also reduces the footprint of the portable case. Further, the nail care device may be adapted to dry toenails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D458318
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D460065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D461002
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D461179
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D462430
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D464091
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D465484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D470314
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D472096
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D472968
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Sharper Image
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: D474565
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: SharperImage Corporation
    Inventors: Rene C. Pinchuk, Tristan M. Christianson