The R&D Dept.

A Midlothian man has invented a new kind of sports shoulder pads. A Colonial Heights company patented an air freshener device. Plus, patents from Capital One, Afton Chemical and Phillip Morris.

Capital One is getting into the wireless transaction business. Plus an interesting medical patent from VCU, patents from Altria and a new and improved blender from Hamilton Beach.

A Petersburg company has invented a knife with a heated blade. And Philip Morris has a slew of new patents including a chewable tobacco pouch.

Another patent for a Shockoe Slip drug device maker. Plus patents from Genworth, MeadWestvaco and Phillip Morris.

A Richmond company called 5 Mississippi LLC has patented a new game. Plus, another patent for Shockoe Bottom based drugmaker Intelliject.

An interesting email-related patent this week from a local company called Message Level. Plus more patents from the minds at Afton Chemical and Philip Morris.

The patent office’s “approved” stamp has been busy lately as a ton of patents were granted for local inventors all over town including one for an airplane in Midlothian.

Inventions from some interesting local companies this week including a company a call The Bill Police and Wealthcare Capital Management.

An interesting patent this week for a local man who wants to create a real estate investment fund. Also a health insurance related patent, another patent from Capital One, and a patent for a new type of fishing line.