The R&D Dept.

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.

Philip Morris may be selling fewer cigarettes these days, but that’s not stopping it from patenting all kinds of smoking related inventions.

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.

A local inventor has a new apparatus for an indoor fire place. Plus industrial patents from a handful of other companies.

Mostly industrial patents this week, including packaging innovations from MeadWestvaco and Philip Morris.

A new patent for moving dough at AMF. A new shower cleaning sprayer device by S.C. Johnson & Son and a variation on a muscle relaxer created by an Ashland inventor.