Storm Warnings!

 Well, for some of us, last night was terrifying. I can say it was for me--I made the excellent decision to go to a native plant society meeting, left my house at 6pm, and made it to the meeting location shortly after 7. In other words, I spent an hour driving through the absolute worst non-hurricane storm I've ever seen, and honestly thought at times that I was in severe physical danger, given  the size of things I saw flying around. 

Don't want to be like me? Good idea! Let's look at some inventions that can keep us safe, and should have been involved in my decision making last night. 

1. Tornado Warning System, US 6,295,001. I actually didn't realize how local this patent was until after I'd downloaded it! Aside from focusing on not just Texas but Harris County, this was a system that probably relied too much on transient, personal technology. While pagers were once indispensable, by the time this was granted in 2001, they were on their way out. Also, it likely would have required people connect their pagers to the system or buy a pager specifically to use with it. It has some good structure and concepts, though, and isn't terribly unlike the Rice Alert system.

Yeah, I could have used this last night

2. Airborne weather radar system and radar display, US 7,109,913. This actually is meant for aircraft, so it is airborne in that regard, rather than a radar system that is independently airborne, which was my original assumption. I liked it more, conceptually, as a floating radar station than this practical aviation safety device, but aviation safety is more important.

A simple diagram of a technically complex invention

3. System and method for the detection of severe weather conditions, US 8,593,289. What I like about this invention is that it actually uses radio frequency to detect weather severity. It's both interesting and likely possible for more people to implement than many other detection systems. Tune your radio to 525 AM!

4. Short-term thunderstorm forecast and severe weather alert system and method, US 10,782,448. This is one of those patents that is less of an actual device, and more of a description of how to use specific devices to accomplish something. While most of it is outside my realm of expertise, I think it's a good example of how patents can be granted for innovative processes, not just physical "things".

5. Storm detection apparatus and method, US 11,194,075. Oh, this one looks like it was made for storm chasers. It is specifically meant to be mobile, and can be mounted on "varied mobile platforms". However, it does allow for creating data quickly and sending via cloud technology. If you're interested in how tech is changing life across the board, it might be worth a read.

Stay safe out there...

Anyway, heed weather warnings and check the radar frequently. I really could have avoided a harrowing drive.

But nothing can keep this cute native flower down! Two new blooms this morning, after such a huge storm.

Yeah I used my trash bin for the background, it was the only solid black thing I had

Patents that Beat the Heat

It's too hot. Have you noticed? If you're in Houston, like us, you've noticed: it is too hot for this time of year. Sure, Houston summers get into the 100s (Fahrenheit), but usually not till later in July or August! Inland Harris County is presently under a National Weather Service Heat Advisory.  

Let's look at some patented ways to cool off; maybe that will help.

First, one from local inventors, who understand our plight: Dynamically Controlled Cooling Device, US 11,647,523. It includes a GPS-linked fan, and directs a stream of air onto the user. It's the most high-tech fan I've ever seen. Read it in full here. 

Dynamically Controlled Cooling Device: air flow via GPS

Clearly that won't be enough for this weather, we need this Cooling Bedding Product, US 11,641,960, that uses a gel layer and some memory foam to keep you cool and cushioned all night. The actual textile is cooled, and there's complicated shaping and venting to the gel and memory foam layers to better circulate air. Never flop around in bed, feeling like a steamed dish again! Visit this link to see more.

Diagram of the shaping to aid ventilation for US 11,641,960

Sometimes, though, you just need some artificially chilled air. US 11,662,113, Building Cooling Systems with Energy Optimization and Model Predictive Control, can provide that while being ecologically mindful. It will balance between the optimal comfort level and set power consumption term, working with the capacity of cooling devices. Learn more about how that is achieved here. 

This office is kept cool with patented tech

Set on going outdoors? At least consider this Natural Stone Swimming Pool, US 11,634,920. You'll have a better chance of survival if you're dunked in water! Rather than the usual plaster lining, this relies on sealed and joined "monolithic natural stones". Check out how to get your own at this link.

Submerge yourself in the water of a natural stone swimming pool

BONUS: Stay safe in the water with a Personal Flotation Apparatus, US 11,649,022, which is basically a bathing suit covered with flotation material. Guaranteed to look completely unique!

Flotation device in a bathing suit

Closing of the USPTO on February 18

In view of the official closing of federal government offices in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), on Thursday, February 18, due to inclement weather, the USPTO considers Thursday, February 18, a federal holiday.

The USPTO will deem actions or fees due on Thursday, February 18, to be timely if taken or paid no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, February 19, which was the next business day that the USPTO was open.

Read the full text of the notice on the USPTO’s Patent Related Notices webpage.