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Dean Kamen Awarded Patent For Robot Competition Rules

Posted by samzenpus on from the what-about-battlebots dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway and the founder of the FIRST Robotics Competition has been granted Patent 7,507,169, that describes one of the previous competitions. The main invention is a ranking system that ranks teams not only on their score, but their opponents' score, so teams are rewarded for helping their opponents score more. It is claimed that this ranking system promotes the made up phrases 'coopertition' and 'gracious professionalism.' It had three rejections, and even more appeals, before finally being accepted six years after the first application. While a majority of his 130 patents are for things related to his inventions, which are as diverse as medical equipment, unique uses for Stirling engines, and transportation, this one seems a little dubious. Dean opposes the Patent Reform Act of 2009, which would make it easier to overturn patents after they are granted."

12 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Have a hammer... by StCredZero · · Score: 2, Funny

    If all you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail. Maybe Dean's been patenting too much stuff and needs a breather?

    1. Re:Have a hammer... by fluch · · Score: 2, Funny

      And somewhere an eager lawyer reads your comment and thinks: "Hmmm....!"

    2. Re:Have a hammer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I guess some positions would fail the test of obviousness... and I'd definitely would wanna be In the chair of the guy examining prior arts

    3. Re:Have a hammer... by snl2587 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Ah, a patent that no one on Slashdot would ever be sued for violating.

    4. Re:Have a hammer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Dude thats gross, you want to sit on the lap of the guy who is watching videos of people having sex? I think I'll pass.

    5. Re:Have a hammer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      I thought that you wife had that patent. I mean, I keep seeing people pay her royalties...

    6. Re:Have a hammer... by merreborn · · Score: 4, Funny

      If all you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail.

      Dear sir,

      I am writing to you regarding a new matter that has been brought to my attention by my clients. In this particular matter our office represents Dean Kamen.

      The use of the cliche "If all you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail" in an electronic forum has been patented by our client in patent #8,219,493: "Use Of Hammer-Based Metaphors in Electronic Discussion". Your use of this phrase is in violation of United States patent law, and I request that you remove this content immediately.

      I have a good faith belief, and in fact know for certain, that the posting of these works was not authorized by my clients, any agent of my clients, or the law.

      Sincerely,
      Herman J. Bloodsucker, Esq.

    7. Re:Have a hammer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      thats no way to talk to your big brother

      -- love mom

  2. If Dean could patent his ego... by Slartibartfast · · Score: 4, Funny

    He'd be all set.

    Sadly, neither irony nor sarcasm were used in the making of this post.

    1. Re:If Dean could patent his ego... by Ihmhi · · Score: 3, Funny

      Aye. When the Segway was debuted a few years back, all of the news stations (at least in the NYC area) were talking about the "transportation revolution". I was expecting flying cars or jetpacks, not something that looks like it was built by a Power Wheels engineer after an all-nighter.

      --
      Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)
  3. We each get 100 points and you let me win by 1 by SteveWoz · · Score: 4, Funny

    Alliances?

    (I wish he'd licensed this to Dancing With The Stars!)

    --
    OK a new size TV
  4. Re:Good But Hardly New by camperdave · · Score: 4, Funny

    Nash managed to get across a novel concept that contradicted the basic tenets of economics without making up goofy names.

    No, he just made up goofy people.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!