Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.

Abstract: An environmental sensor is used to determine a voltage output for a high voltage generator used along with first and second electrodes in an air transporter-conditioner system. In one embodiment, the environmental sensor is a particulate detector. If a low level of particulate is detected, a low output level can be used. If a high level of particulate is detected, a high output of the generator can be used. The environmental sensor can be also used as an ozone detector or a passive IR detector.

Abstract: A robot cleaning system uses a robot cleaner and a unit. The unit is connected to power the robot cleaner by a power cord. The robot cleaner can move around a room while being powered by the unit. In one embodiment, the unit is connected to a power socket by another power cord.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator that provides a voltage potential difference between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning a first group of electrodes contained within an air conditioner are provided. A second group of electrodes within the air conditioner has a cleaning device fastened therewith. The cleaning device engages the first group of electrodes. A method includes removing the second group of electrodes from the air conditioner, and replacing the second group of electrodes back into the air conditioner.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static 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.

Abstract: A digital recorder system for use with cellular telephones includes a housing that defines a cavity into which a cellular telephone may be received. During cellular telephone use, a microphone disposed on the housing records sounds, and a speak disposed within the housing plays back sound. A digital recorder within the housing automatically records the past twenty-seconds of conversation. A user may press a control button on the housing to retain up to four such twenty-second segments, and may press another control button on the housing to record sound prospectively. An LED on the housing confirms operational mode of the system.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.

Abstract: An air conditioner device includes a first electrode array and a second electrode array. A mechanism, that cleans the electrode(s) in a first electrode array, includes a length of flexible insulating material that projects from a base of the second electrode array towards the first electrode array. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, the electrode(s) in the first array are frictionally cleaned.

Abstract: An 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. 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 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. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: An air conditioner device includes a housing, a first electrode disposed in the housing, and a second electrode removably disposed in the housing. The second electrode can be manually removed from the housing and then manually returned to a resting position within the housing. A base member is attached to a bottom portion of the second electrode. An at least partially flexible cleaning member is attached to the base member. The cleaning member frictionally cleans the first electrode when, after being removed from the housing, the second electrode is manually returned to the resting position within the housing.

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: 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.

Abstract: A personal electro-kinetic electrostatic 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: 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.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulate 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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.