Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #07586
To: beam@sgiblab.sgi.com
From: Bruce Robinson Bruce_Robinson@bc.sympatico.ca
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 16:02:00 -0800
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired?
JVernonM@aol.com wrote:
>
> ... the patent has expired.
True. Patent 5325031 expired last year. You can check for yourself (I
always do) -- the US patent office has a Web site, and IBM maintains a
site dedicated to patents and intellectual property. I find it easier to
search for things on the IBM site to obtain the patent number, and then
confirm my findings on the patent office site.
> Second of all the expiration has nothing
> to do with commercial use of the circuits,
> they are covered by copyright.
Wrong. Circuits are IDEAS, and ideas are covered by patent law. DRAWINGS
of circuits, circuit boards, etc. are covered by copyright.
You can search the web and find some very good sites that explain the
various regulations. Both the US and Canadian patent offices maintain
websites. Canadian copyright law is on-line, and I assume US law is as
well -- they are very similar. Trademark law in both Canada and the US
are also on line. Look for yourself.
Briefly ...
PATENTS apply to ideas, and expire after 15 years. They must be
registered in each country to which they apply. They have to be renewed
every 4 - 5 years (at an ever - escalating, exhorbitant fee).
COPYRIGHT law applies to "works", written works, computer programs,
works of art, and drawings. Copyright exists at the moment the work is
created ... it doesn't have to be registered, but you may want to prove
that you created something first. Copyright exists until 50 years after
end of the year of the author's death.
TRADEMARK law applies to "marks": images, combinations of words, etc.
that uniquely identify something that is sold by way of trade. You don't
HAVE to register a trademark, but it's a good idea. You CAN'T register a
trademark if you haven't actually used it by way of trade (e.g. you have
to have sold something under the mark). Trademarks serve to uniquely
identify a class of products: I can open a MacDonald's plumbing shop,
but not a MacDonald's hamburger joint. "Beam" is a registered trademark
of Jim Beam distillers, and of Electrolux vacuum cleaners -- same name,
different products, no chance of confusion (unless you have way too much
of the former). Trademarks expire, but can be renewed (for a modest fee)
with no limit on the number of renewals.
Please take this as a GUIDE ONLY, AND LOOK FOR YOURSELF. Sadly, the very
best site I found covering this topic has died recently. It explained
verything (US and Canadian) in plain English, and had all the links to
official sites. Now I gotta go and find them all for myself.
Regards,
Bruce
PS, sorry, Mark Dalton. I know it's a sore subject, but I hate to see
misinformation broadcast.
BR
7587 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 16:07:49 -0800 [alt-beam] Re: Heads that go in circles beam@sgiblab.sgi.com Bruce Robinson
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Ian wrote:
> Damn that is small. So small in fact that it isn't even there.
You should see the comment I got from the (non-BEAM) person who received
it! Too many unsent notes stacked up at once.
Sorry.
Bruce
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7588 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 19:14:08 EST [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired? beam@sgiblab.sgi.com JVernonM@aol.com In a message dated 11/11/99 5:22:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
zozzles@lanl.gov writes:
OK Zoz, I'll bite.
> You can't copyright circuits in the U.S.
OK, the circuit design can be copyrighted. The circuit itself would require a
utility patent.
> >But, if you start advertising on the web,
> >and begin selling large numbers, you will need permission so that
> >compensation can be arranged.
>
> No you don't.
Not sure what you mean here. If you use one of these circuits and make a lot
of money without permission, you leave yourself wide open for a lawsuit.
BTW, the "TM" symbol you thought was so cute on that site that started this
conversation a week or so ago is exactly what that person should have done.
Assigning the symbol TM or SM signifies that the term or name is trademarked
yet unregistered. Perfectly legitimate.
See ya,
Jim
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/8281/beamart.html
7589 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 19:22:50 EST [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired? beam@sgiblab.sgi.com JVernonM@aol.com Ok, here is a link on intellectual properties I found that is very helpful.
Check it out if you have any questions. Write Mark T. if you have any
specific questions. Just don't hold your breath for a reply.
http://www.cll.com/intelfr3.htm
See ya,
Jim
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/8281/beamart.html
7590 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 19:52:13 -0500 RE: Head tutorial posted. Wilf Rigter
> Hi Ian,
>
> There is no magic to the PS head circuit and just like in all other beam
> circuits, the same limitations of using 74HC logic for motor drivers
apply.
> The 74HC240 two buffer Nv/Nu motor driver shown in the tutorial is
> underpowered except for use with very efficient gearmotors and with a 4.5V
> minimum power supply. I recommend using a 74AC240 (best) or a separate
HC240
> or other motor driver of some sort to increase the available output
current
> and reduced voltage drop.
>
> I also recommend using an IC socket for future upgrades and for trouble
> shooting IC problems by simple substitution. Give yourself some room to
> maneuver by doing some initial breadboarding before committing to a
> hardwired version. Build and test the battery version first. Check lowest
> practical operating voltage for your motor before deciding on a solar
> powersupply.
>
> This common sense, step by step construction/debugging sequence is one I
use
> for all my circuit construction projects and I forget that not everyone
uses
> the same relatively safe and painless method to fight Murphy's law! But I
> have sympathy with all those who jumped the gun and soldered the whole
> circuit only to find it doesn't work and will do my best to help get back
on
> track. There is nothing more frustrating than tearing apart a freeform
> circuit during trouble-shooting generally resulting in a mess, damaged
parts
> if not a complete write-off.
>
> Unfortunately, I will be very busy for a few days until after the weekend
> trying to sort out a mega buck problem and will be virtually
"incommunicado"
> with the list. So I'll keep my fingers crossed and good luck.
>
>
> Wilf Rigter mailto:wilf.rigter@powertech.bc.ca
> tel: (604)590-7493
> fax: (604)590-3411
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Ian [SMTP:Ian@beam-online.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 11:18 AM
> > To: beam@sgiblab.sgi.com
> > Subject: Re: Head tutorial posted.
> >
> > Hi
> >
> > > I don't oppose there being a lot of personal BEAM pages, what I would
> > > like to see is a couple of big sites that consolidate that information
> > > either by (preferably) copying it or linking it.
> > Sounds like what I'm trying to do. And did you read that e-mail I sent
to
> > the list yesterday =)
> >
> > As far as how my head is coming along (my PS head, not "my head") I have
> > the
> > frame all done and I'm going to make an order to digikey today for the
> > parts
> > I don't have. It is 2 axis so that should be interesting!
> >
> > Laterz
> >
> > --------
> > There is only one true "SyNeT"
> > BEAM Online - http://www.beam-online.com
> >
> > Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
>
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