The Zipper Invention

April 24, 2012
Intellectual Property News, Inventions, Patents

In 1917 Electrical engineer Gideon Sundback invented the zipper. He was born on 24 April 1880. When he finished his studies in Sweden, he moved to Germany and studied at the polytechnic school in Bingen am Rhein where he took his engineer exam. In 1905 Gideon Sundback emigrated to the United States.

Gideon Sundback worked on the development of the zipper between 1906 and 1914. He finally solved a pulling-apart problem with his invention of the first version of the “Hookless Fastener No. 1″. His invention had two facing rows of teeth that pulled into a single piece by the slider, and increased the opening for the teeth guided by the slider. In 1914 Gideon Sundback developed a version based on interlocking teeth, the “Hookless No. 2“, which was the modern metal zipper as we know it.

The name zipper was created in 1923 by B.F. Goodrich. During that time, boots and tobacco pouches were the primary use for zippers. At the time of World War II the zipper was accepted for fashion on the flies of trousers and the plackets of skirts and dresses. Gideon Sundback also invented the manufacturing machine for the zipper.

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Light Bulb Changer

January 5, 2012
Inventions, Patents

Inventor
Thomas Magdi

Patent Number
US 6,826,983 Bl

Patent Date
7 December 2004

A light bulb changer method and apparatus that contains components that allows for instantly detecting a burned out light, automatically removing the burned out light, and automatically replacing the burned out light with a replacement bulb.

The changer operates without human intervention, and can be assembled from a kit having a light fixture, detecting sensor, removing and replacement hardware.

The kit can allow a consumer to assemble the changer for use as a novelty item, and/or also to be used as a working light fixture, such as a table lamp, and the like.

The changer can also be used as a retrofit for existing light fixtures.

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The CAT-Scan Invention

July 28, 2011
Inventions

Image source: kantrowitz.com

In November 1975 South African physicist and inventor Robert Ledley was granted patent #3,922,552 for a Diagnostic X-ray System also known as a CAT-Scan.

Robert Ledley invented a mathematical technique in which the X-ray source and electronic detectors are rotated around the body. The resulting data is then analyzed by a computer to produce a 3D map of the tissues.

This secured them the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

The Computed Axial Tomography Scan (CAT-scan) uses X-rays to create 3D images of the body. A normal x-ray is only a 2D picture.

By using a CAT-scan a doctor could not only tell if a tumor is present, but also how deep it is in the tissue.

South Africa is backed up by a number of organizations that provide support for inventors and innovators.

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How does a Patent Ambush work?

February 8, 2011
Patents

Patent ambush is the phrase used to describe a situation of patent misuse where one of the standard setting organization’s members keeps vital information from the rest while setting up a new standard.

The member involved in the patent ambush is either the company owner or one of the members that intend to file a patent or is in the process of doing so when the patent is related to the specific standard being developed. Once the standard has been set, the member or the member’s company files for patent infringement because the standard embodies specific elements of the patent.

To prevent patent ambushes international standard setting institutions may have specific rules regarding information provision by member committees when they work together in setting a new standard. The institutes such as ANSI can require that all participants in the development of a new standard must disclose any patents pending, intention to file or knowledge about patents related to the standard upfront.

The institute will in order to prevent a patent ambush then take the required steps to modify the standard or as an alternative seek a commitment on paper by the patent holder or company to license the users of the standard in a normal and fair manner.

Patent ambushes are frowned upon by the intellectual property communities and many governments see the act of a patent ambush as against healthy competition and the building of trust.

The patent ambush can for instance, also take the form of the filing of a continuation patent application. In the application claims are lodged specifically aimed at the new standard.

A patent ambush can also be done regarding a sub-marine patent which is a patent that has not been made public for years after the application.

Contact us for assistance regarding any patent related issues.

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Patent Applications

November 26, 2009
Patents

While it is important to register your new inventions in order to protect your intellectual property, there are a few basic requirements that an invention need to adhere to according to South African law before you can initiate patent applications.

All patent applications need to be:

• New: South Africa has a so-called “absolute” novelty requirement, which implies that any disclosure anywhere in the world before the filing date of a South African patent application will destroy the novelty of your invention, thereby forfeiting your patent rights.
• Inventive: Even if your invention is new, there may be other similar inventions that have been disclosed to the public in patent specifications or other literature. It needs to be determined whether your invention is considered obvious or not.
• Useful: Abstract inventions with no application in trade, industry or agriculture cannot be the subject of a patent in terms of South African patent law.

Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any queries regarding patent applications. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.

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