Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Oh, patents! Cyclone V2 cooling technology

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

Tigeraire’s cooling technology (Cyclone V2 and Tornado V2) fits inside helmets and hard hats of all sorts. Tigeraire's cooling technology is designed to deliver the all-day comfort of fresh air to users, whether sports players, military personnel, or industrial workers, active under the hottest and most humid conditions. 


Tigeraire’s cooling technology is patented. The United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent, WO2022040692A1, titled Air circulation devices for helmets and methods of use, was awarded to Jack Karavich, Greg Stringfellow, Marco Falconi, and Jacob MARUCCI. A team of engineers and Louisiana State University (LSU) sports administrators from Tigeraire Inc, a tech start-up company that is part of the LSU Innovation and Technology incubator.  


The invention responds to the need to balance protection and comfort features in helmets and hard hats. Thus, the Tigeraire technology offers active cool airflow for head and face, without compromising the security features of helmets. The patent discloses at least two embodiments of the invention: an add-on embodiment and a built-in embodiment. In other words, one embodiment of the invention, comprising power assembly, fan and airflow outlets, might be mounted permanently or temporarily as an add-on within a helmet; and another embodiment might be built into a hard hat. Both embodiments are designed to provide cool airflow to the face and head within a wide variety of helmets and hard hats, or even for use within costumes. 


The patent Figure 1a, included below, shows the unmounted components of the add-on Cyclone V2 technology, whereas the video shows how they are installed. The Figure 1a system (100) comprises at least one fan assembly (10), one power assembly (20), and tubing (30) (flexible, rigid, or a combination thereof). The power supply shown in Fig. 1a is a 9V battery, which is otherwise enclosed, together with a control unit enabling the user to turn the fan on or off, and to adjust the intensity of the airflow (to high, medium or low). The power assembly (20) is connected to at least one fan assembly (10). The fan assembly (10) is connected to a first end of the tubing (30), in view of providing air through the tubing (30).

In some embodiments, the fan (10) circulates air within the helmet without tubing. Depending on the type of helmet, the tubing (30) might be cut to fit. The tubing (30) might also have different configurations, providing point-directed airflow from the unattached end, or distributed airflow when the full length of the tubing is perforated. The tubing (30) might also have bellows to increase its flexibility. The diameter of the tubing (30) might also vary from 6 to 25 mm.

The system (100) is designed for mounting within a helmet, under the padding, using adhesives or hook-and-loop type fasteners, but many different configurations known to those skilled in the art might exist, depending on the helmet. For example, embodiments that make use of an existing passive helmet ventilation system, to actively circulate air, within the helmet, and down to the face.

The YouTube video below shows how Tigeraire's Cyclone V2 technology is added to a football helmet.


The abstract of the invention is also included below.  

The present disclosure provides for devices and methods that actively circulate air into a helmet and around a wearer's face and head. Advantageously, the devices described herein can be added to off-the-shelf protective helmets and can leverage existing passive ventilation features to actively circulate fresh air without compromising protection against mechanical forces. The devices can be added to helmets on a temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent basis and can be used alongside additional protective accessories such visors, lenses, and/or face guards. The devices and methods described herein are suitable to virtually all protective helmets (e.g. athletic or safety helmets). The devices described herein are portable, non-restrictive, and fully contained in the interior of the helmet. Helmets with integral forced-air circulation are also provided.
[Abstract WO2022040692A1]

Reference

Tigeraire Inc

https://tigeraire.com/ 

Sunday, May 28, 2023

EPO inventor Awards - The 2023 Jury

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

The following YouTube videos highlight the inventions of the distinguished scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and academics, who were members of the 2023 juryall former finalists or winners of the European Inventor Awards. 

Wolfgang M. Heckl (Chair) - Director General of the Deutsches Museum in Munich since 2004, Oskar von Miller chair for science communication at the Technical University in Munich, and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.



Invention: Mooring platform for floating solar farms that track the sun. 

Sample patentEP3515802B1  Floating module for modular solar panel platforms.



Invention: AI-driven waste recognition and sorting system that can be implemented and used quickly to recycle more efficiently. 
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation and SDG 12Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.



Invention - Ground-breaking spray-on ceramic coatings, able to withstand extreme conditions, in view of protecting industrial or aerospatial parts. 

Sample patent EP2914760B1 - Thermal spraying of ceramic materials.



Invention: Fun, strong fasteners for quick release. 

Sample patentEP2825075B1 - Closure device.



Invention: Donor tissue without rejection.

Sample patentEP1624922A1 - Ultrasonic modification of soft tissue matrices.



Invention: Energy-efficient water purification. 

Sample patentEP1937395A1 - Biomimetic water membrane comprising aquaporins used in the production of salinity power.

 


  • Ursula Kellet (CH) - 2018 European Inventor Lifetime Achievement Award.

Invention: Ultrafast pulse lasers. 

Sample patentEP1456916A2 Semiconductor saturable absorber mirror device.



Invention: Sugru - Multipurpose moldable glue.

Sample patentEP2089465A1 Room temperature curable silicone elastomer composition.



Invention:  Mammaprint® - gene-based breast cancer test, to determine whether chemotherapy is necessary.  

Sample patentEP1410011A2 Diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients.



  • Zhentian Wang [CH] - 2022 Finalist in the Non-European Patent Organization country category. 
Invention: Phase-contrast X-ray imaging for advanced breast cancer screening. 
Sample patentEP3341714B1 Omnidirectional scattering- and bidirectional phase-sensitivity with single shot grating interferometry.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

EPO Inventor Awards - The 2023 Young Inventor Finalists (3)

 Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

Since 2022, the jury of the European Inventor Awards also selects three young inventors (<30), recipients of cash prizes, whose inventions tie into the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN SDGs are the backbone of an ambitious United Nations 15-year program, designed to end world poverty. Launched at the turn of the 21st century, the program was initially driven by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Upon evaluation of the MDGs, the popular program was then re-launched in 2015, for another 15 years, with 17 new goals for sustainable development, until 2030. Adopted by the 193 member states of the United Nations, the SDGs offer a framework of clearly identifiable and measurable goals, in global partnership with civil society and government agencies.

The following three young inventors were selected as finalists. Their ranking will be announced during the July 4th 2023, European Inventor Awards Ceremony. 20000 Euros, 10000 Euros and 5000 Euros will be awarded respectively to the first, second, and third prize winners.

The contestants hail from Kenya, Portugal, and Ireland. Their inventions are unpatented.

Invention: Lion Lights™ - solar-powered LED lights, programmed to flash in randomly selected patterns, both to prevent lions from attacking livestock, and farmers from killing lions in defense of livestock. The invention thus also contributes to saving lions from extinction in Kenya.  

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 15 Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.



Invention: Block-based Accessible Tangible Programming Systems (BATS) – a programming language for the visually impaired.

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 - Quality Education & SDG 10 - Reduce inequalities within and among countries


Invention: Method of removing microplastics from water, using magnetic liquid that binds to particles.

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

European Inventor Awards 2023 –The Popular Prize

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann


The European Patent Office invites everyone to vote for their favorite invention. The winner of the popular vote will be awarded the Popular Prize, on the day of the Awards Ceremony, on July 4th, 2023. 

The rules for participating entitle you to vote as many times as you like until July 4th, but only for one invention on any given day.


Vote here!



Reference
Popular prize
https://popular-prize.epo.org/  


Thursday, May 18, 2023

EPO Inventor Awards - The 2023 Finalists (2)

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

Below, the 2023 European Inventor Award Finalists, designated “Tomorrow Shapers”, competing in the four categories of  Industry, Research, Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Non-European Patent Organization Country, plus Lifetime Achievement. The inventors are listed together with one or more hyperlinked patents, reciting their competing inventions. Short YouTube videos are also included, where each team presents their own invention.  

Industry

Michiel Dusselier & Bert Sels (BE)
Invention: A cheaper and greener process for producing bioplastics, using lactic acid.



Josef Faderl, Siegfried Kolnberger, Thomas Kurz & Andreas Sommer (AT and DE)
Invention: Corrosion-resistant, zinc-coated steel, up to six times stronger, for manufacturing lighter and stronger car parts.

  • EP1651789 B1Method for producing hardened parts from sheet steel.
  • EP1658390 B1Method for producing a hardened steel part.
  • EP2864505 B1Method for press hardening of steel.
  • EP2655675 B1Method for producing hardened structural elements.

Pia Bergström, Annika Malm, Jukka Myllyoja, Jukka-Pekka Pasanen & Blanka Toukoniitty​ (FI) 
Invention: The transformation of a wide variety of wastes and residues into premium-quality renewable products, such as fuel.

  • EP3519541 B1 - Oil purification process.
  • EP3519540 B1 - Method for purification of animal or vegetable fats.
  • EP3421572 B1 - Method for increasing gasoline and middle distillate selectivity in catalytic cracking.
  • EP1963461 - Process for producing a hydrocarbon component.

Research

Patricia de Rango, Daniel Fruchart, Albin Chaise, Michel Jehan & Nataliya Skryabina​ (FR) 
Invention: This team of scientists from the National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS) in France, invented a safe and sustainable way to store hydrogen.

  • EP2024274B1 - Nanocrystalline composite for storage of hydrogen and process for its preparation.
  • EP2593401B1 - Method for preparing a material for storing hydrogen, including an extreme plastic deformation operation.
  • EP2244970B1 - Hydrogen storage material made from magnesium hydride.
  • EP2235424B1 - Hydrogen storage tank.

Harald Hass & team (DE)
Invention:  ​​High-speed internet using LED lights​ called LIFi - a mobile wireless technology that transmits data through light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), rather than radio frequencies.

  • EP3078130 B1 - System and method for communication between transmitters and receivers having an angular dependence.
  • EP3044889 B1 - Transmission scheme for communications systems.
  • EP2774287 B1 - Communication apparatus and method.
  • EP2540123 B1 - Enhanced spatial modulation.
  • EP2476210 B1 - Encoding method by conveying coded bit information on patterns of different modulation schemes on orthogonal resource units.

Thorsteinn Loftsson & Einar Stefánsson (IS)
Invention: Nanotechnology-based eye treatment that replaces injections to the back of the eye, with less invasive eye drops, for patients with diabetic macular edema.

  •  EP1909755B1 - Cyclodextrin nanotechnology for ophthalmic drug delivery.

Non-Epo Countries

Thomas Oxley and Nicholas Opie (and team)​ (AU)
Invention: The Stentrode, a brain implant for two-way communication with external devices​. The technology enables paralyzed people to control external technology with their minds. The technology is implantable via the jugular vein. The Stentrode attaches like a tattoo inside blood vessels of the brain, in areas controlling sensory and motor activity.

  • EP3612268A4 - Endovascular device for sensing and or stimulating tissue.

​​Kai Wu and team​ (CN)
Invention:  Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that lower fire and explosion risks due to overcharging


Kripa Varanasi, David Smith & team ​(India and USA)
Invention:  This Massachusetts Insitute of Technology (MIT) team invented frictionless coatings that prevent viscous substances from sticking to their surfaces, maximizing product use, and eliminating waste. For example,  the invention resolves the problem of not being able to get all the toothpaste out of a tube, or all the ketchup out of a bottle. 

  • EP3956079A1  ​Lubricious surfaces, systems and methods for making the same.

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Antoine Hubert & team (FR)
Invention:  Vertical insect farms to produce food, feed and fertilizer.


Luca Rossettini (IT)
Invention: Cleaning up space debris using the D-Orbit system, called the D-Orbiter Decommissioning Device (D3). D-Orbiter detects malfunctioning satellites and takes the satellites out of orbit, where they end up disintegrating in the atmosphere. The invention addresses the accumulation of debris in space, known as the Kessler Syndrome, resulting from satellite collisions. 
 


Rhona Togher & Eimear O’Carroll (IE)
Invention: Reducing noise with advanced acoustic material.

  • EP3146949A1- ​A sound-absorbing device of the type adapted to cover the ears of a user.


Reference

European Inventor Award Finalists - Search Portal
https://tinyurl.com/48mh8x2d

Sunday, May 14, 2023

EPO Inventor Awards - The 2023 Finalists (1)

 Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

Each year, since 2006, the European Patent Office (EPO) recognizes outstanding inventors in the five categories of Industry, Non‑European Patent Organization Countries, Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Research and Lifetime Achievement. Awards in each of the five categories, plus an award for Young inventors (<30 years of age), and a Popular Prize will be announced on July 4th, 2023, at 12:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), during an Awards Ceremony streamlined from Valencia, Spain. (Register to attend using the link in the reference section). 

The Youtube EPO video below presents the 2023 competing Finalists, designated The Tomorrow Shapers.




References

European Inventor Awards 2023

https://new.epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award    

Registration link  - July 4th 2023, Online streamlined Awards Ceremony 

https://events.epo.org/w/event/644589808c13513b7d241582?page_id=64458985853897956767b29d 


Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Oh, patents! OMNI connecting wheelchairs to escooters (2)

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann 

The outstanding OMNI invention, winner of the 2023 Presidental Award at the historical Concours Lépine in France, was awarded the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent WO2021094092A1, titled Hitching device designed to be fitted on a scooter. The patent was awarded to the French inventors: Robin Lhommeau, Sulivan Richard & Mathieu Izaute, on May 20, 2021. The OMNI team members delivered on a dream to provide wheelchair users with an affordable and fun experience of true wheelchair mobility, using non-specialized products to dramatically lower costs, and to augment the inclusion of wheelchair users in the abled world.

Below, the patent Figure 1a depicts an unhitched system (0), comprising a manual-drive wheelchair (100) and escooter (200), with the detachable OMNI invention connector (2), installed on the wheelchair, via interface attachments (1a) and (1b), held apart by a crossbar (21); and on the escooter (200), a hitching device (40). The OMNI hitching system (0) is designed to dock the wheelchair (100) on the escooter (200), when the crossbar (21) is hitched to the escooter hitching device (40); and to release the wheelchair (100) from the escooter (200), when the crossbar (21) is unhitched from the escooter hitching device (40). When the wheelchair (100) and escooter (200) are docked, the wheelchair (100) becomes motorized. When the wheelchair (100) undocks from the escooter (200), the wheelchair (100) reverts to manual drive.

The patent Figure 1 further depicts at least a front wheel (204), and at least a rear wheel (201), on each side of the escooter (200) platform (202). The rear wheel (201) comprises an integrated motor, as well as power supply means, driving the escooter (200) movement. The front wheel (204), mounted pivotally on the platform (202), is steerable using the handlebar (203). The rear wheel (201) further comprises a brake, that the user operates.

The wheelchair (100) comprises at least three wheels (101, 102 and 103), mounted to rotate and function as a support structure for the chair seat. The at least two rear wheels (101 and 102) are manual drive, and the front wheels (103) of the wheelchair (100) steer the wheelchair.

The hitching system (0), comprising interface attachments (1a and 1b) respectively attach to two tubular wheelchairs parts (102a and 102b). The detachable OMNI invention connector (2), together with its crossbar (21) are designed to attach and detach from the wheelchair (100), without changing the structure of the wheelchair.

The escooter hitching system (40) is also detachable, mounted on the platform (202) or on a support section of the handlebar (203). The escooter hitching system (40) comprises hooks (42 and 42a) secured to levers (44 and 44a), and an abutment (41), forming a receiving space (43) for the crossbar (21), where it is locked in place until released to undock the wheelchair (100) from the escooter (200).



The YouTube video below shows a small OMNI team-in-action, real-world experiment. The experiment consisted in going to meet a colleague at a café, who finally got everyone to leave OMNI headquarters after offering them a free drink. Each OMNI team member used a different means of transportation, competing to see who would be fastest. The competing modes were the following: 1. Wheelchair hitched to escooter 2. Wheelchair using public transportation bus with universal access for wheelchairs, as a backup, after a failed attempt to get a ride with a suited cab 3. Wheelchair using wheelchair-user-adapted personal car 4. Bike 5. Walking/running using underground public transportation. Watch the video to find out who got to the café first!


References

Concours Lépine

Monday, May 1, 2023

Oh, patents! OMNI connecting wheelchairs to escooters (1)

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann 

The OMNI system, connecting wheelchairs to escooters for a fun motorized experience, is the brilliant 2023 winner of the Presidential Award, at France’s famous historical innovation contest, the Concours Lépine (since 1901). The OMNI escooter-wheelchair connection device is an easy and affordable way of hitching manual wheelchairs  to escooters, making it possible for wheelchair users to zip around motorized, at up to 20 miles per hour, using equipment from the abled world. Wheelchair visionaries are even eagerly anticipating a Zip-escooter rental system, enabling wheelchair users to rent wheelchair-adapted-escooters, and to pay-as-you-go. An inclusive experience, considering that it takes less than five seconds for the OMNI system to bring wheelchairs and escooters together, with the promise of fun, escooter-enabled, mobility.  

In the interim, OMNI also created the OMNITrott’ an adapted escooter (with a lower, angled handlebar) for $1000 Euros (approximately $1000 dollars) to connect to any wheelchair, using the original OMNI connection invention, designed to connect a wheelchair to an escooter. A price tag that is still three to four times less than the price of a motorized wheelchair. 

In a nutshell, once the OMNI connector is in place, it takes just one effortless pull to dock the wheelchair to an escooter. The escooter-motorized wheelchair then provides unmatched mobility to wheelchair users, who otherwise face insurmountable obstacles. Obstacles such as steps, uneven or cobblestone pavements, slopes, and just 3% of public transportation retrofitted for universal wheelchair access. 

The Youtube video below captures Charlotte Alaux, co-founder of the OMNI system, herself a wheelchair user since the age of four, demonstrating the ease with which the OMNI system connects a wheelchair to an escooter. Alaux estimates that approximately 800,000 wheelchair users in France could benefit from the OMNI solution, and a total of 54 million wheelchair users worldwide. The video also shows parallel footage of wheelchair use. Footage with and without the OMNI system, motorizing a wheelchair using an escooter, to highlight the unsuspected difficulties of wheelchair mobility without motorization.  





References

Concours Lépine