Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Parker
Andrew J. Parker 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: 20040033340Abstract: An electrode cleaner for an electro-kinetic transporter-conditioner includes a mechanism to clean one or more the wire-like electrodes of a first electrode array. A length of flexible electrically insulating material projects from a base of a second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of the material includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material maybe biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and generally parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20040018126Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of the material includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The material maybe biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes. As the conditioner is turned upside down and rightside up, friction between the opening in the member and wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20040003721Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible MYLAR type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material maybe biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20030233935Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventors: John Paul Reeves, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20030226813Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030226814Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030221888Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Andrew J. Parker, Jesse F. Patterson, Charles E. Taylor
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Publication number: 20030209420Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030206840Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030206839Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030206837Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney
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Publication number: 20030196887Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2001Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy L. Lee, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20030170150Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
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Patent number: 6615770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Jesse F. Patterson, Tristan M. Christianson, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Andrew J. Parker
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Patent number: 6611734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor, John Paul Reeves
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Patent number: 6604022Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark Duncan, Charles E. Taylor
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Publication number: 20030047526Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20030047525Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
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Publication number: 20030049098Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor, John Paul Reeves
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Patent number: 6507773Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Andrew J. Parker, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Richard J. Thalheimer, Shek Fai Lau, Mark Duncan, Charles E. Taylor