Conforming to my reputation in my workplace and amongst my friends as a mine of (useless) information, I found the following information :

http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/bnsviewer?CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD&PN=US5755101&ID=US+++5755101A1+I+

 

(I know its a big URL, but trust me)

 

The information is something I came across whilst searching for an idea I had on the patent database. It explains the operation of one of the designs in quite good detail.

 

You can search for the patent description on anything at :

http://gb.espacenet.com/

 

Basically, if its interesting (and a gadget) it'll be protected (and described) in a patent.

 

Post a reply if you found it interesting or useful.

Cool !

 

If you do a search for "boost" it comes up with a lot of devices that sound interesting..

Too bad not all patents have a small description on how the device/trick works or what it actually does

All patents should have a full description of what they do, usually including diagrams.

 

A lot of people who publish patents have had good ideas that aren't commercially viable or do not have a widespread enough need (at the time). With modern electronics, etc. the possibilites are there to exploit the idea.

 

I am not entirely sure, but I am sure if you use a patented idea for purely your own purpose, that wouldn't be a problem. Obviously the owner would want his/her cut if you were to use the idea for profit.

 

A lot of these people have had the idea, but not the time/money to exploit it.

The only way to protect the information is to publish the patent, that requires a detailed description - ensuring that the intellectual property is protected.

 

Most of the links have sub-links (usually the patent number) if you click on that it will take you to the full description.

 

Hope this helps.