Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Jeffrey Charles Michalski, Matthew Tant Richardson and Michael Joseph Foley, all of Austin, recently received U.S. Patent 8,205,512 for “Systems and Methods for Collection and Detection of Particulates in the Air.”
Texas Business Patent of the Day: Modern days bring the dangers of chemical warfare, biological warfare or dirty bombs. Three Texans have devised a way of detecting these weapons if ever used.
Jeffrey Charles Michalski, Matthew Tant Richardson and Michael Joseph Foley, all of Austin, recently received U.S. Patent 8,205,512 for “Systems and Methods for Collection and Detection of Particulates in the Air.”
The three men applied for the patent almost four years ago on August 15, 2008.
The patent assignee is Airogistic LLP of Austin.
The invention is in the field, of testing of air for biological, chemical, or nuclear particulates, according to the patent documents.
Walled Cyclones (WC) are mechanical apparatus utilized for the collection of aerosol particles for detection of trace levels of certain biological, explosive, chemical and nuclear materials. The principle of operation is to separate particulates present in the air based on size by taking advantage of the trajectory and flow dynamics of submicron particles as compared to macroscopic particles as the particles enter a rotational vortex in a pipe. The larger particles are acted on by inertial forces that push and separate the larger particulate to the inner wall of the cyclone while the smaller air gas molecules will be exhausted through the center of the pipe, exhausted out via a blower, fan or other air moving device. The inner surface of the cyclone is wetted, coated or consists of a material conducive to capturing particulates. Its surface is conditioned for the purpose of transporting or flushing the particulates into concentrated samples to be evaluated by biological, chemical, explosive or nuclear sensors, detectors, and identification apparatus.
The invention include systems and methods for collection and identification of particulates in the air. In one embodiment, two different path ways are provided from a single adjustable inlet: one for collection and one for detection. A removable insert positionable within a collection tube enables a user to switch between the collection mode and the detection mode. This embodiment captures both the physical mechanisms of switching the air flow paths as well as sequencing of controls and valves and regulation or changing the air flow rate in the different modes of operation.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to stories Texas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: America’s greatest threat: Unsafe work conditions; The West News proves the value of a great weekly newspaper in a community torn up with grief and chaos; Chinese investors checking out Texas, Austin; Texas makes bounce house operators carry liability coverage, but not plants like West Fertilizer; bSpaceX’s Grasshopper leaping to NM spaceport;American Airlines, US Airways to name post-merger leadership within weeks; Texas power cushion seen at lowest level in a decade; Media outlets reflect Houston's diversity; and more.
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