The R&D Dept.

A busy week for patents with inventions from Afton Chemical, Magellan Systems, Altria, Dupont and a local man who patented a tuning device for drums.

A patent for a high-tech wound dressing from a Richmond company. A local man invents a training system for bank shots in billiards. And a Mechanicsville company gets a patent for an automated bowling system.

Patents this week for Tredegar, Philip Morris and a man in Chester trying to patent something called the “God First Flag.”

A company in Mechanicsville has a patent for a plastic water bottle launcher. Plus patents from VCU, a Shockoe Slip company and an invention from a photographic firm in Petersburg.

A local inventor is trying to patent a new type of grip for golf putters. And for all those menthol cigarette fans out there, Philip Morris has a new patent just for you.

A local man is trying to patent his own toothbrush design. An inventor in Manakin-Sabot has patented a new method for curing tobacco. And another local named his invention after himself.

Patents this week for MeadWestvaco, Philip Morris, La-Z-Boy and others. Plus a local man filed an initial patent for his own shoe design.

Patents this week for a drug device company in Ashland, Capital One, Philip Morris and more.

Patents this week from Genworth, Philip Morris and a Shockoe Slip-based drug device maker.

VCU gets the green light for patents on couple inventions, including a new invention for headphones. Plus patents for MeadWestvaco, Hamilton Beach, Philip Morris and more.