They Invented What? (No. 9)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,910: Toy gas fired missile and launcher assembly.
Background:
Flatulence is the accumulation of excessive gas in the stomach or intestine. Because flatulence may be socially embarrassing, it is one of the most common complaints encountered in medical practice. Although a number of factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis, sometimes no cause can be found and it may therefore prove refractory to treatment. Thus, serious discussions of flatulence have led to little more than home remedies, largely empirically derived. Only in the last three decades has there emerged a science of flatology . . . .
A recreational activity practiced by some individuals is ignition of one’s own flatus. This is performed by using a lit match or candle, or a cigarette lighter. So widespread is this activity that there are web sites on the Internet devoted exclusively to explaining proper lighting techniques.
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They Invented What? (No. 8)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,161: Process for the utilization of ruminant animal methane emissions.
I claim:
1. A method for producing methane-utilizing microorganisms in a confined apparatus comprising using the methane exhaled through ruminant animal exhalation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the growth of said microorganisms, comprising:
a. collecting methane gas that has been exhaled through ruminant animal exhalation,
b. providing methane-utilizing microorganisms which can use said methane as a source of carbon and/or energy for growth,
c. providing a growth-culture medium which promotes the growth of said microorganisms, including a nutrient substrate and/or a microorganism immobilization means,
d. providing a means for the directed mutual-exposure of said methane, said microorganisms, and said growth-culture medium, including a means for the capture and conveyance of said methane and a means for confining said microorganisms, said growth-culture medium, and said methane to a…
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They Invented What? (No. 7)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,208: Chewing Gum Dispenser.
Background:
“While difficulty in removing the gum from the sheath occurs initially, and while subsequentially having to deal with loosened sticks of gum may not be a pressing problem, it can, however, be a nuisance, and even dangerous. It can be dangerous, for example, if the habitual gum chewer attempts to provide himself with a stick of gum while driving an automobile. The need to use two hands to remove the initial sticks of gum from the sheath, or the need to look away from the road in an effort to locate a loosed stick, can have serious consequences.”
Claims:
We claim:
1. A dispenser for dispensing sticks of chewing gum, which sticks have a given thickness, one at a time, comprising, in combination:
a container having a bottom wall, two side walls, two end walls, and a top…
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They Invented What? (No. 6)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,843: Portable Electrical Mouse Trap.
What is claimed is:
1. A portable electrical mouse trap for capturing and killing a mouse, comprising: a housing in the shape of a cat having a head with a pair of eyes and a mouth defining an interior cavity, the mouth forming an entrance to the interior cavity; a primary motion sensor near the entrance to the interior cavity for selectively closing the mouth; a retractable primary gate in electrical communication with the primary motion sensor; a collection chamber within the interior cavity for holding a plurality of captured mice; a reservoir of a mouse-attracting fragrance that automatically dispenses within the interior cavity; a secondary motion sensor near an entrance to the collection chamber; a retractable secondary gate in electrical communication with the secondary motion sensor; and a vacuum source in communication with the collection chamber, wherein the primary…
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They Invented What? (No. 5)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,227: Method of concealing partial baldness
I claim:
1. A method for styling hair to cover bald areas using only the individual’s own hair, comprising separating the hair on the head into several substantially equal sections, taking the hair on one section and placing it over the bald area, then taking the hair on another section and placing it over the first section, and finally taking the hair on the remaining sections and placing it over the other sections whereby the bald area will be completely covered.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the hair on a person’s head is folded over the bald area beginning with the hair from the back of the head, and then from first one side and then the other.
3. A method as in claim 2 wherein after the hair from the back of the head is folded…
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Presenting at Braintree Business Development Center on IP Law for Business and Entrepreneurs – June 16, 2016.
You Don’t Need a Patent If: Intellectual Property Law for Business and Entrepreneurs.
The Braintree Business Development Center will host a program on intellectual property protection, covering inventions, patents, trademarks, and copyrights on Thursday June 16, 2016 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. The seminar will be held at the Braintree Business Development Center, 201 East Fifth Street Mansfield, OH 44902.
In considering IP protection, one type of IP generally comes to mind – patents. However, while often valuable, patent protection is sometimes inappropriate for the circumstances. Other forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, can sometimes better serve an entrepreneur. This seminar will discuss various scenarios in which patent protection may not be necessary, and how other types of IP can be used to greater effect. Key distinctions between patents and the other types of IP will also be discussed.
Jacob M. Ward, Registered Patent Attorney with the law firm of Fraser Clemens Martin & Miller LLC, will present the seminar. The program is free and open to the public.
More details about the program and a registration form may be found here. Space is limited, so please RSVP at the provided link, or contact Mr. Bob Cohen at 419-525-1614 or bcohen@braintreepartners.org.
Presenting on IP Law for Entrepreneurs at University of Michigan-Flint’s Maker Day: May 19, 2016.
Calling all do-it-yourselfers to MAKER DAY
Thursday, May 19, 2016, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
University of Michigan-Flint
Spend the day with inventors and makers, and those who support them, at the UM-Flint Innovation Incubator on May 19.
If you make things, and want to know how to produce, market and protect your inventions, this is the event for you!
- 10 am Check-in and light refreshments
- 10:30-11:45 am Presentation: Getting your Product to Market, with Marty Sovis, Inventors Council and Doug Prehoda, Mott Community College FabLab
- 11:45 am-1:15 pm “Maker: The Movie” with lunch and discussion
- 1:15-2 pm Presentation: Flint Steamworks: Open community of makers, artists, and inventors, with Mike Wright, Flint Steamworks
- 2:15-3:30 Presentation: Patently Good Ideas: Intellectual Property Law for Entrepreneurs, with Jacob Ward and Bill Ziehler, Registered Patent Attorneys
No charge, but advance registration required at https://formassembly.umflint.edu/3978.
Limit of 30 participants.
Presenting at Ashland University on IP Law for Business and Entrepreneurs – April 6, 2016.
Patently Good Ideas: Intellectual Property Law for Business and Entrepreneurs
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at North Central State College, and the Ashland Area Council for Economic Development, will host a program on intellectual property protection, covering inventions, patents, trademarks, and copyrights on April 6, 2016 from 9:00AM to 10:30AM. The seminar will be held at Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business, Room 102, 401 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Jacob M. Ward, Registered Patent Attorney with the law firm of Fraser Clemens Martin & Miller LLC, will present the seminar. All businesses have intellectual property in one form or another. Entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in learning more about this important topic are encouraged to attend. The program is free and open to the public.
More details about the program may be found here. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Michalina Lacy at the SBDC by calling 419-755-9011 or by emailing mlacy@sbdc6.com.
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