Sunday, November 16, 2008

Notable paragraphs of the US Patent Law

These paragraphs are most often cited by the USPTO examiners, and patent agents struggling with pushing inventions through the institution's paper jam: US Patent Act Title 35 of the United States Code §100, Definitions: Process means process, art and method, and includes a new use of a known process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or material. §101, Patentable inventions: Any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefore… §102, Novelty: 1. Not previously known, used, patented, printed, publicly used, sold. 2. Invention was not patented, used, printed one year prior to date of application. §103, Non-Obviousness: 1. Not patentable if at time of prior art invention, the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. §111, Application: 1. Specification: 2. Drawing: §112, Specification: Written description: manner and process of making and using invention – full, clear, concise and exact so as to ENABLE a person skilled in the art to make and use the same. Claims: One or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention – independent, dependent or multiple dependent form. Claims may be MEANS or STEPS for performing a specified functions, and may not be enabling (but supported by spec). §271, Infringement: Making, using, offering, selling any patented invention infringes the patent. NOT if it is changed by subsequent processes.

Luminox, and A Clip-On Weather Station

I was looking for hi-tech watches, and found Luminox on Sierra Adventure Gear. I chose one from the cornucopia of Luminox line which includes EVO Navy SEAL, Field Chrono, SEAL Dive Watch, Titanium Dive, Night View and Quandrum. This one looks cool: It is Luminox Yachting, with blue dial, and steel bracelet. Esthetically hefty, while practical. I love gadgets, but don't write about them much here. They are all mostly a recycled audio-video toys. Searching through the site's menu of Bags & Backpacks, Camping Gear, Electronics, Emergency Kits, Flashlights, Headlamps, Knives, Multipurpose Tools, Optics, Outdoor Navigation, Safety & First Aid, Sleeping Gear, Sunglasses, Tents and Watches, I looked for a utilitarian gadgets, like a personal, portable, laptop- and key chain-friendly weather analytical device. The kind I could also set on my desk at the office or home and keep track of humidity, since I am sensitive to dry air. I have humidifiers everywhere I work. Finally I have found this ultimate gadget. It is the Brunton ADC-PRO, which is a personal Atmospheric Data Center, performing all the function I have been looking for and more:
  • Basic weather conditions
  • Forecasts
  • Calculates relative air density, heat index, & more
  • Infrared data port transfers info to your computer
  • Weatherproof
  • Submersible for measuring water flow
  • Barometer
  • Altimeter
  • Wind speed & wind chill
  • Temperature
  • Time and date
Here's what I have read up on the company. The D.W. Brunton started in 1894, when avid outdoorsman and geologist turned inventor. Brunton began to design equipment for outdoor professionals. His innovative approach called for lightweight gear with maximum durability. This ingenuity catapulted his unique products to the forefront of American outdoor equipment. The company bearing his name still develops products using that same philosophy. Their headquarters is in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, and I found out that they live the outdoor lifestyle and apply their experience in the business. They have been developing and producing innovative backpacking and camping equipment, optics, and are pioneering a new category called personal power, which includes power storage devices and flexible solar panels (patents?) for adventurers. Times maybe hard, but life, work, and play is always more fun when you spend time outside and use quality equipment. That's why I ordered it from Sierraadventuregear.com