Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,373,962 B2
Introduction
When analyzing a patent, it is crucial to understand the scope and claims, as these elements define the intellectual property rights granted to the patent holder. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 8,373,962 B2, titled "Charged seed cloud as a method for increasing particle collisions and for scavenging airborne biological agents and other contaminants."
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Title
- Patent Number: US8,373,962 B2
- Title: Charged seed cloud as a method for increasing particle collisions and for scavenging airborne biological agents and other contaminants[4].
Background and Prior Art
The patent was filed on August 15, 2007, with a priority date of August 18, 2006. This invention builds upon existing technologies related to particle collisions and the scavenging of airborne contaminants.
Claims
The claims of a patent are the most critical part, as they define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
- The patent includes several independent claims that outline the core aspects of the invention. For example, Claim 1 describes a method for increasing particle collisions and scavenging airborne biological agents using a charged seed cloud. This involves releasing seed particles with a specific polarity to form a charged cloud that attracts target particles[4].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims. These might include the types of particles, the polarity of the charge, and the configuration of the system used to release the seed particles.
Patent Scope
The scope of a patent is determined by the language of the claims and the description provided in the specification.
Independent Claim Length and Count
Research suggests that the length and count of independent claims can be metrics for measuring patent scope. Narrower claims, as seen in this patent, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
System Components
The patent describes a system comprising an air vehicle with tubes that release seed particles at a specific polarity. This setup is designed to create a charged seed cloud that increases particle collisions and scavenges airborne contaminants. The detailed description of these components helps in understanding the scope of the invention[4].
Detailed Description of the Invention
Air Vehicle and Tubes
- The air vehicle, which can be an aircraft, missile, glider, or helicopter, is equipped with two tubes. The first tube releases seed particles with a positive charge, forming a positively charged seed cloud. The second tube is positioned below the first, ensuring the seed particles are released at an altitude above the target particles[4].
Particle Interactions
- The charged seed cloud attracts target particles due to the strong charge on the seed particles. This increases the effective volume of space swept out by each seed particle, enhancing the efficiency of particle collisions and scavenging[4].
International Patent Landscape
The patent has been filed in multiple countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and others. This global filing strategy ensures broad protection for the invention across various jurisdictions[4].
Search and Examination Process
To ensure the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, the patent underwent a thorough examination process. Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier, provided by the USPTO, can be used to search for prior art and related applications. The examination process often narrows the scope of patent claims, as seen in this case, to ensure the patent meets the criteria for grant[1][3].
Practical Applications
The invention has practical applications in various fields, including environmental science and public health. The method can be used to scavenge airborne biological agents and other contaminants, making it a valuable tool in air quality management and biosecurity.
Legal and Policy Considerations
The legal and policy framework surrounding patents, such as the potential for a small claims patent court, can impact how patents are enforced and litigated. Studies by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) highlight the need for efficient and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving patent disputes, which could affect the enforcement of patents like US8,373,962 B2[5].
Key Takeaways
- Claims and Scope: The patent's claims define its scope, with independent claims outlining the core invention and dependent claims providing additional details.
- System Components: The invention involves an air vehicle with tubes releasing charged seed particles to form a cloud that attracts target particles.
- International Protection: The patent is filed in multiple countries to ensure broad protection.
- Examination Process: The patent underwent a thorough examination to ensure novelty and non-obviousness.
- Practical Applications: The invention has applications in environmental science and public health.
FAQs
Q: What is the main purpose of the invention described in US8,373,962 B2?
A: The main purpose is to increase particle collisions and scavenge airborne biological agents and other contaminants using a charged seed cloud.
Q: How does the charged seed cloud work?
A: The charged seed cloud is formed by releasing seed particles with a specific polarity, which attracts target particles, increasing the effective volume of space swept out by each seed particle.
Q: What types of vehicles can be used in this invention?
A: The invention can be implemented using various air vehicles, including aircraft, missiles, gliders, and helicopters.
Q: Is this patent protected internationally?
A: Yes, the patent has been filed in multiple countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Q: What are the potential practical applications of this invention?
A: The invention has practical applications in environmental science and public health, particularly in air quality management and biosecurity.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US8373962B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8373962B2/un
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
