Post by thread:Propeller clock patent

>Hi Mike, > >I probably have a copy somewhere in a real safe place. If you have >any sort of search capability, the inventor is Edward Sokol. The patent >would have issued in the mid 80's, possibly as early as 1984. I'll >look to see if I can find the number. Thanks, I can search for that - no need to take up your time getting more info. >The invention, in this case, was a rotating drum with LEDs on the rim. >It was intended as a point-of-purchase display. I'm not too sure how >broad the claims are and whether they would include Bob Blick's design. >I am in occasional contact with Ed Sokol and if I remember I'll ask him >the next time he calls. He sold the patent a couple of years ago. mmmm - I would suppose that if Bob's design is 'sufficiently' different, then there would not be an infringment but, I suppose thats why we have lawyers... I would find it very difficult to appreciate that the idea itself would be patentable, but then life is stranger than friction. >I did the electronic package for the original prototype - 1980 or 1981. >We did both single and multicolor versions. Fun project. Interesting, Was it via a processor - Z80 type design ? Rgds Mike Some say there is no magic but, all things begin with thought then it becomes academic, then some poor slob works out a practical way to implement all that theory, this is called Engineering - for most people another form of magic. Massen

At 05:02 AM 3/13/97 +0800, Mike wrote: >>The invention, in this case, was a rotating drum with LEDs on the rim. >>It was intended as a point-of-purchase display. I'm not too sure how >>broad the claims are and whether they would include Bob Blick's design. >>I am in occasional contact with Ed Sokol and if I remember I'll ask him >>the next time he calls. He sold the patent a couple of years ago. > There is something else called prior art. I'm no attorney, but this sounds alot like the old flying dot TV scanners (name?) of the 1930's. Led's were replaced with neon bulbs, but the princple was certainly the same. Getting a patent is one thing, enforcing it is another matter all together. It does look good on your resume though. Regards, ------------------------------------ | Jeff King Aero Data Systems | | spam_OUTjeffTakeThisOuTmich.com P.O. Box 510895 | | (810)471-1787 Livonia, MI 48151 | |F(810)471-0279 United States | ------------------------------------