Patent of the Day

A Patented (and Very Popular) Father’s Day Gift.

innovativeip — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:11:27 +0000

Today’s Patent of the Day reaches all the way back to 1937, the same year the Golden Gate bridge opened and Amelia Earhart disappeared. Curious? Well, a hint at the subject matter is found in the title of this post.

Dad’s everywhere could probably guess the subject matter. Did you? U.S. Patent no. 2,100,870, entitled “Necktie”, was issued November 30, 1937 to Edward R. Petrie and Nellie M. Petrie of New York, New York:

Today's Patent of the Day

The invention offers a solution to a common problem still inexplicably faced by many tie wearers, the undesirable exposure of the inner portion of the tie. The Petrie’s patented necktie provides for a passage, whereby the inner portion of the tie is related to the outer portion, such as via an opening or ring. In such manner, lateral shifting of the tie elements relative to one another is prevented. Sure, it seems simple now, but in 1937? You can read all the details at http://www.innovativeip.us/images/2100870_NECKTIE.pdf.

This Sunday, we will honor our fathers. We will shower them with electronics, sporting goods, and yes, almost certainly, thousands upon thousands of neckties. Happy Father’s Day to my own wonderful father, and to all Dad’s! Enjoy!

Proud Display of the Stars and Stripes

innovativeip — Fri, 20 May 2011 01:30:10 +0000

With Memorial Day approaching, I, like many U.S. citizens, feel fortunate and choose to take the opportunity to revisit the meaning of patriotism. According to Dictionary.com, a Patriot is “a person who loves, supports and defends his or her country and defends its interests with devotion,” with devotion defined as “profound dedication; consecration”.

Out of respect and admiration for those American Patriots who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our Country, the subject matter of today’s Patent of the Day is a device for proud display of the Stars and Stripes, appropriately invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Patent 1,646,467

The patented device extends the canvas of the Flag and maintains a flat plane display, preventing furling. In considering Flag display, I realized that had forgotten the meaning of the colors of our Flag, so I decided to look them up. According to USFlag.org, “White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.” It strikes me that these words that define the colors of our Flag also perfectly define those that we honor this Memorial Day.

Inventor’s create because they see a need. Mr. Walton, in 1926, saw a need to enable everyone to look upon the complete image of our Flag. Not a bad idea, Mr. Walton. We could all probably benefit from spending a few moments in contemplation, doing just that.

Please visit www.innovativeip.us if you’d like to read the entire patent. With respect for all who have served, and gratitude for all of those fallen, Innovative IP wishes all of America a safe Memorial Day holiday. Enjoy!

NASA, Home to Preeminent Inventors

innovativeip — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:30:52 +0000

Today’s Patent of the Day coincides with and celebrates today’s Space Shuttle launch. What better topic than some space shuttle patents? Not only are they very interesting, but they offer a view of a professional path of product and intellectual property development.

First, we see the early stage embodiment, with generally broad claims protecting the concept, even though development continues. This first patent is described by some as the “lunar capsule with wings”, but surely it is the precursor to the shuttle:

: U.S. Patent 3,576,298, Filed in 1967

By 1978, the technical details of the launch were ready for disclosure and protection:

U.S. Patent 4,265,416, Filed in 1978

Finally, after decades of development, the sexy design was completed, and protected:

U.S. Patent D302,148, Filed in 1986

There are, of course, numerous patents related to the shuttle, and many, many that have resulted from space exploration. Today, with the final launch of Endeavor, Innovative IP says “hat’s off” to NASA innovators.

If you’d like to take a look at these patents in detail, click over to http://www.innovativeip.us/ofinterest.html where you can find all of the “Patent of the Day” patents. I suggest, give a quick read, and take in the launch this afternoon. I’ll be watching from my boat. Science, Law, History and boating all in one day! Enjoy!

A Patented Tax Refund Method…in Honor of April 15th

innovativeip — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Yes, there really is a patent for every occasion. Today being April 15, the infamous U.S. Income Tax filing deadline, U.S. Patent no. 7,765,132 seems perfect. The patent entitled “Tax Refund System” was issued just last year, and is owned by none other than uber-filers, H & R Block.

: Patent of the Day for April 15 “Tax Refund System”

This business method patent is essentially covering the idea of advancing a tax refund, which I believe is referred to as an “Anticipation Refund” by H&R Block, in combination with preparation and filing of the tax return, and assignment of the refund to the preparer.

Interestingly, there is legislation currently being debated in Congress that may (some say likely) prohibit tax methodology patents, particularly those directed at tax mitigation. I haven’t seen much in the popular press, but details of that proposed legislation can be found, for example, at http://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/Tax/Resources/TaxPatents/Pages/Legislation%20Addressing%20Tax%20Strategy%20Patents.aspx.

Today’s Patent of the Day may survive nonetheless, because tax mitigation is not the focus. Simply a more expedient receipt of funds…for a fee. A glorified payday loan perhaps? If you’d like to read the details and decide what you think, click over to http://www.innovativeip.us/images/US7765132.hrblock.pdf. Enjoy!

An Invention that is Full of Hot Air

innovativeip — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:16:34 +0000

Given that the Seaside Balloon Festival is presently underway here in sunny New Smyrna Beach, Florida, I thought a balloon-focused patent would be fun. Although I did enjoy taking an early morning boat ride to view the group launch last year from the water, until last night, I’d not attended a balloon festival in person. But, the evening balloon glow is quite stunning.

2011 Seaside Balloon Fest

What does this have to do with the Patent of the Day, you may be wondering? Well, I found a patent that was issued about ten years ago for a System and Method for Controlled Illumination of Hot Air Balloons. U.S. Patent no. 6,367,696, issued to Thomas S. Robins, describes a device that enables presentation of a choreographed balloon illumination display!

U.S. Patent 6,367,696 Patent of the Day

Given the beautiful show that I witnessed last evening, with the balloons randomly lighting, I imagine that a choreographed event would be quite astounding. I hope that if any readers are aware of any such events, making use of this technology of this Patent of the Day, that information will be shared. If you’d like to read more about the hot air balloon illumation system, click over to http://www.innovativeip.us/ofinterest.html where you can read the entire patent. And, if you’d like to still get in on the Seaside Balloon Festival, it is continuing all weekend, and the details can be found at www.seasideballoonfest.com. Enjoy!

G.E….General Electric AND Genetic Engineering? A Landmark US Supreme Court Case

innovativeip — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:06:31 +0000

Thirty years ago, on March 31, 1981, U.S. Patent 4,259,444 was issued to inventor Ananda Chakrabarty, on behalf of General Electric Company. The subject matter, a new single cell life form, was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and it was only after appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court that the patent was allowed, breaking ground for future patents for “genetically altered life”.

Diamond v. Chakrabarty, 447 U.S. 303 (1980)

In its 5 to 4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Chakrabarty’s genetically engineered bacteria, a new single cell life form modified to create an oil-dissolving microbe, was patentable subject matter. (You can link through to the Court’s Opinion at http://www.innovativeip.us/images/447.US.303.79-136.pdf).

The resulting patent cleared the path for patenting genetically-produced material.

U.S. Patent 4,259,444

Scores of genetically engineered plants and animals and human genes have since been patented, recognizably including patents for billion dollar monoclonal antibody drugs. Amazing what can be accomplished in just a quarter of a century!

If you’d like to read the Chakrabarty patent, link over to http://www.innovativeip.us/images/US4259444.3.31.pdf. Enjoy!

Patenting the Six Pack (Beer, not Abs)

innovativeip — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:12:40 +0000

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, a beer-focused patent seems like a timely subject for the Patent of the Day. Take a look at U.S. Patent 2,371,317, issued March 13, 1945, for a bottle carrier. Although technically not directed at beer, the essential characteristics of the folding paperboard six-pack carrier of this patent remain in use today, primarily for beer.

U.S. Patent 2,371,317, Issued March 13, 1945

If you are a regular Patent of the Day follower, you know that I love inventions that remain relevant over the passage of time. This innovation was not only a simple means to carry six bottles, but offered an efficiently foldable structure and a sturdy construction from materials that are now routinely recycled. Cudos to forethinking inventor, William Ringler from the Gardner-Richardson Company of Ohio.

Now, as you pick up a six pack to dye green for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, you will be not only prepared to carry your beers easily, but will be set with some interesting and intelligent party banter on the inventive tote.

If you’d like to know more history on the Miami Valley paper industry of Ohio, you can read an interesting article from the 1933 Dayton Daily News at http://www.daytonhistorybooks.com/papertype.html. If you’d like to read the Patent of the Day in its entirety, visit www.innovativeip.us and the “of interest” tab offers a download. Enjoy!

You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play

innovativeip — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:52:10 +0000

This week, I’m in Las Vegas for a conference, so what better subject matter for the Patent of the Day than a gambling-related patent?! My selection is U.S. Patent no. 5,722,891, issued on March 3, 1998 to Eagle Co., Ltd., of Japan, for a Slot Machine with Two Distinct Sets of Wheels:

March 3, 1998, Dual-Wheel Slot Machine

This particular patent covers the operative scenario when a first “winning” result causes spinning of a “bonus” reel. If you’ve ever played any slots, you know that any such bonus action adds to the excitement of your spin, creating a second level of “potential win” anticipation.

This patent was successfully sold in 2003 to slot machine giant International Gaming Technology (IGT), along with a portfolio of others. No doubt, the sale of the entire patent portfolio by Eagle Co. to IGT was huge jackpot, all spinning aside. If you’d like to know more on that sale, it can be found at http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleID=1852.

If you’d like to read the entire patent and learn a bit more about slot machine mechanics, head over to http://www.innovativeip.us/ofinterest.html, where you can find all of the Patents of the Day. Enjoy!

FACEBOOK…a Business Method Patent for the Masses.

innovativeip — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:33:30 +0000

Some believed that the Supreme Court was going to invalidate the lot, but business method patents remain, and today’s Patent of the Day is an interesting read for any FACEBOOK user. U.S. Patent no. 7,669,123 was issued just last year on (my birthday, no less) February 23.

Issued February 23, 2010, Assigned to Facebook, Inc.

Given the easy familiarity of the subject matter, this patent can serve as a nice tool for enhancing understanding of just how one might define or explain a business method, and how one might construct claims to specify a hopefully enforceable subject matter. That is not to say that I have undertaken a validity analysis of this patent; I have not. Nonetheless, the opportunity for an average reader to follow along, with his or her own routinely performed actions described, along with the technological support for the handling of the data related to those actions, exists in this patent.

The entire patent text can be found at www.innovative-ip.net, on the “of interest” tab. I encourage you to take a look. If you find it interesting, you can even link to it or share it on your FACEBOOK page. I like the concept of the ”layers” involved in participating in the business method of the patent that is actually the topic. In fact, I like it so much that I’m going to link over to the innovativeip FACEBOOK page right now. Hope you Enjoy!

Valentine’s Day History…U.S. Patent no. 7,000,000

innovativeip — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:40:40 +0000

Only five short years ago, on February 14, 2006, the seven millionth United States patent was issued to E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Although it would have been especially wonderful if the historically numbered patent had borne a subject matter of the heart, U.S. patent no. 7,000,000 is simply entitled, “Polysaccharide fibers”. (Those so inclined can nevertheless stretch and consider the sugar monomers at the fiber core a tenuous link to candy hearts for this Valentine’s patent.)

: Issued February 14, 2006, U.S. Patent no. 7,000,000

The real focus of this patent is the fiber’s desirable properties, and the manufacturing process that is a “green” improvement over those that depend primarily on petrochemicals. These modified fibers for textile use are biodegradable, low cost, and are generated from renewable resources, such as corn. Moreover, the properties are described as “cotton-like”, yet without the labor and land intensive requirements of cotton, or the inherent short fiber length thereof.

Today’s Patent of the Day is reportedly the 33,801st awarded to DuPont, since its first in 1804. Quite a record of innovation. You can read the entire patent text at http://www.innovativeip.us/ofinterest.html, and you can read about DuPont’s related products, such as commercial carpet and computer bags offered under the SORONA trademark , at http://www2.dupont.com/Sorona/en_US/. Enjoy!