Patents by Inventor Charles E. Taylor

Charles E. Taylor 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).

  • Patent number: 6520347
    Abstract: A motorized rack for holding the jewel cases or containers of CDs (or the CDs themselves) in a very compact manner includes a continuous loop formed of holders for the CD cases or other retainers which is driven by a pair of sprockets on which the holders are mounted for rotation. High density storage is provided by spacing the holders and their associated CD containers contiguously to one another and then removal is facilitated by allowing the holders and containers to fan out at the top the vertical tower for manual removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • 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: 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: 20020190012
    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: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020190013
    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: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020190014
    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: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Sharper image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020174876
    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 electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: THE SHARPER IMAGE
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 6481104
    Abstract: A shaving system for use with mechanical hand-held shavers includes a housing in which is disposed a DC motor, an eccentric weight coupled to a shaft of the motor, and a DC power source. The eccentric weight and motor shaft are oriented such that the axis of vibrations produced by the motor are parallel to an axis of the cutting edge of a razor blade attached to a handle in mechanical vibratory communication with the motor. The result is vibratory displacement of the razor blade, typically back-and-forth, over a range approximating the dimension of a human hair. In one embodiment a housing accepts the handle of a generic shaver, and in a second embodiment the housing is bifurcated and the handle of a shaver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Parker, Charles E. Taylor
  • 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: 20020150520
    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 emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Jim L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6464088
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020146356
    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 10, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Sinaiko, Charles E. Taylor, Jim L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020134664
    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 emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20020134665
    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 emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Jim L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020127156
    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 emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020122752
    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 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 emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20020122751
    Abstract: Air transporter-conditioner for removing particles from the air has a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly for creating an air flow and collecting particulates within the air flow as the air passes through the first and second electrode assembly. An embodiment of the device has dual inlet and dual outlet in order to enhance the airflow therethrough. An embodiment includes a collector electrode with multiple surfaces in order to enhance particle collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Sinaiko, Charles E. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020100488
    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 electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: SHARPER IMAGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau