The R&D Dept.

Local patents this week for VCU, Capital One, Phillip Morris and a Midlothian humidifier maker. Plus a local inventor has a hand in a patent for Freddie Mac, and someone in Glen Allen wants to patent a pillow case.

Technical patents awarded locally this week to Afton Chemical, Dupont, Honeywell and others.

Some interesting patents this week including a new invention for local startup Intelliject, a flower stem wrapper and genetic soybean research. And just in time for margarita season, a new blender design from the brains at Hamilton Beach in Glen Allen.

A smorgasbord of patents this week including an invention to help select health insurance plans, a proposed patent for a drink maker, some high-tech gloves and a some sort of explosive-related device.

Another dog-related invention patented by a local pet supply manufacturer; a bunch of new patents for Afton Chemical, one for MeadWestvaco, an initial claims patent for a kettle; and as usual, a cigarette-related patent for Philip Morris.

A wearable hooded towel, plus a neat new phone program to help companies when they put callers on hold and a patent at Capital One.

The latest local patents include a closet with a built-in piggy bank, a bridge system for stringed instruments, a blender and a kitchen appliance that can keep food hot and cold at the same time.

In the R&D Dept. this week, a new surgical tool, a food product checking system for grading food and a new grip for devices like walkers. Plus a bunch of more technical ones from local manufacturers and a new credit card user option at Capital One.