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.

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.

Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic electro-static 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.

Abstract: A training aid device uses an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor includes an infrared light source to produce pulses of infrared light and optics that focus reflections from the infrared light pulse from different portions of the environment to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce an indication of the distances of the closest object(s) in the associated portion of the environment. The processor uses the indications from the infrared sensor to compare the user action to a model action. The processor initiates feedback to the user based on the comparison.

Abstract: A motion detection system for personalized identification is described. A sensor including a two dimensional array of pixel sensors is used to get an indication of a person's bodily features. These bodily features can be compared with a stored database in order to determine whether the person is a criminal or terrorist suspect.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrode(s), a second array of collector electrode(s), and a high voltage generator. The first and/or second electrode array can be include an electrically conductive foam, which may provide various advantages.

Abstract: 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.

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.

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 eyeglass is folded up and clipped to the bottom of the open lid of the cleaner, then the lid is closed to lower the eyeglass into the solution. The cleaning cycle starts with the push of a button and the eyeglass 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 eyeglass 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.

Abstract: A computer game system uses an infrared sensor which produces an infrared light to produce pulse of infrared light. Optics focus reflections from the infrared light pulse from different portions of the environment to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce indications of the distance of the closest objects. The indications can be used by a processor to determine each action. The determined action can be used as input to a computer game. The infrared sensor can also be used with a musical keyboard system.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A robot which incorporates a body, and sensors that allow the robot to interact with objects in the room, and prevents the robot from traveling off an edge or bumping into obstacles. A driving mechanism moves the robot along a surface. An edge detection system includes a plurality of infrared emitters each directed at a different angle with respect to the surface. The emitters alternately emitting signals such that only one of the emitters emits a signal at one time. A signal receiving device detects signals emitted by the infrared emitters after the signals have been reflected. The edge detection system detects an edge based on feedback received from the signal receiving device.

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.

Abstract: A system massages a user's feet and generates an electro-kinetic airflow that contains safe amounts of ozone that can deodorize the user's feet or socks. The system includes an ion generator comprising a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between left and right 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. Preferably the annular-like electrodes are formed from a single sheet of metal by extrusion or punching such that the surface of the annular-like electrodes is smooth and continuous through the opening and into a collar region through which the air flows. Particulate matter in the ambient air electrostatically adheres to the smooth continuous surface of the annular-like electrodes.

Abstract: A robot with an edge detector and two operating modes. The first operating mode is control mode. The second operating mode is a processor controlled mode.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. 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. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissitivity.

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 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.