Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Assignment 10: Silly patents III

Device for the treatment of hiccups

Hiccups are horrible and I don't know about you but drinking a bunch of water never works for me. But... I'm not so sure about this device as the means to relieve me of my misery.


A device for the treatment of hiccups specifically using a method and apparatus involving galvanic stimulation of the Superficial Phrenetic and Vagus nerves using an electric current.

Claim 1 uses a metallic cup-like vessel with 2 electrodes: one electrode for producing electricity adapted to be applied to the lip of the user and a second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode being affixed to the vessel.

 

Analysis on usefulness::
This device will shock the user using its 2 electrodes every time the person hiccups. The goal is the shock will cause the person to stop hiccuping. I think that is quite useful considering that there aren't actually any real treatments for hiccups out there currently. I believe this product is very novel, as it combines ideas from two disciplines: electromagnetism in the realm of physics and the construction of the cup from modern technology. 

Not only is it novel, but there is a real use for this cup. Though it is a ridiculous idea to think about, this is actually one of the better silly patents I have heard of compared to other ones that I cannot see having a use in our society. 



4 comments:

  1. Hi Aradhana,
    I really like the style of your blog! I can't believe there are so many patents that shock people - from this hiccup shocker to the snoring shocker we saw in class. I'm curious to know your thoughts on this patent!

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  2. Great job detailing the exact claim of the patent

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  3. Great job detailing the exact claim of the patent

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  4. Nice post! I like how you discuss the patent in detail and even add a picture! It is interesting how electrode shocks can have those effects. Maybe add more about novelty and non-obviousness and what you think about how those apply or don't apply to this patent. Overall great job!

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