Re: Patents

[P3D Hershel Saylor <saylor@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Put all your ideas on paper with diagrams, etc. or whatever is needed to show 
>the idea and then put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself (normal
mail or 
>registered etc.-whatever you prefer). DO NOT OPEN IT when it arrives and
save it
>to show date proof of your idea.
>
>Good luck!
>Alexa
>
Alexa, I have heard this suggestion many times before.

(Now placing tongue in cheek)

I really don't know what I might invent years from now. So, what if I mail
myself some EMPTY & UNSEALED envelopes on a regular basis.  I could then
just place my documents inside and seal them when I need them. I could thus
create PROOF  of my earlier work on MY invention.

On the serious side, the post office does not care if mail is sealed or not.
They also don't care if I overpay the postage.

I have always dreamed of inventing a money making gadget.  One of my
favorite authors is Don Lancaster who writes a regular column in an
electronics magazine.  He has a interesting book by the name of {The
Incredible Secret Money Machine}. I found it to be fun reading.  If  I
understand his position correctly, he thinks that in general, patents are a
total waste of time and money.  

About 10 years ago, I met a person who had a patent on an automotive gadget.
It was a stop light type of display that would mount in the rear window of a
vehicle. It displayed green for acceleration, yellow for coasting and red
for braking. He had invested over 5 years and many thousands of dollars in
getting this patent. Should I ever see him again, I will still ask the same
question, "WHY!".

Just offering food for thought!

                                     Hershel



------------------------------