Recently freed patents ranked by the signals that track commercial value: how long the owner kept paying to protect it, how broad its claims are, who owned it and the size of the market it sells into. The top 18 come with Claude's analysis of what is now free, who would buy it and why now.
Kept up for yearsAn owner paying maintenance fees for 8 to 12 years thought it was worth protecting.
Broad claimsA short independent claim covered more ground, and all of it is free now.
Company-ownedA business filed and paid for it, usually for a product.
Large marketIts field sells into a big market: medical, energy, AI, robotics, vehicles.
Field
Claude's analysis
Read from each patent's abstract and claims. Market notes are general, with no figures we can't source.
The present disclosure is directed to alleviating the uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations that may accompany insertion and removal of personal care devices.
Filed2011
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 33 words20 claimsOwned by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
A laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening as used during general anesthesia, intensive…
Filed1997
LapsedJan 2026
OwnerCookgas, L.L.C.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 37 words37 claimsOwned by Cookgas, L.L.C.
A body stimulating device operatively adapted to provide electrical stimuli within a body, the device including stimulating electrodes, stimulus generator, and electrode voltage sensors, said electrode voltage sensors…
Filed2008
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerCochlear Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 49 words16 claimsOwned by Cochlear Limited
The invention relates to a system (100) for retrieving a volumetric image data subset comprised in a data storage (105) of volumetric image data sets, the system comprising: a first query unit (111; 113) for composing a…
Filed2007
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N.V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 52 words19 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
A medical imaging system includes a generally stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (106), rotatably supported by the generally stationary gantry (102), that rotates about a longitudinal axis around an…
Filed2008
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N. V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 56 words44 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N. V.
An MRT acquisition can be simplified by a method, an MRT apparatus and a support, for example a cushion, for a magnetic resonance tomography examination, that has at least one positioning aid for a heel of the patient…
Filed2010
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words15 claimsOwned by Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
A heat and moisture exchanger configured to be located between a respiratory system of a patient and an anesthesia circuit connected to an anesthesia apparatus, or a respiratory circuit connected to a respirator for…
Filed2006
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerFurrex Co., Ltd.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words18 claimsOwned by Furrex Co., Ltd.
An imaging detector includes processing electronics with a thermal coefficient about equal to a negative of a summation of thermal coefficients of a photosensor array and a scintillator array of the detector.
Filed2009
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N.V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words16 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
An electrochemical cell comprising a conductive casing housing an electrode assembly provided with a stack holder surrounding the electrode assembly is described.
Filed2008
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerGreatbatch Ltd.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 93 words31 claimsOwned by Greatbatch Ltd.
In one embodiment, a mechanical leverage system using refrigerants in conjunction with temperature differences found in the environment is utilized for air conditioning, energy generation and other applications.
Filed2010
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerSolo inventor
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 20 words29 claimsSolo inventor
A rollator includes a support frame assembly, a seat having first and second positioning notches, and a backrest unit including a backrest frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the support frame assembly, and a…
Filed2012
LapsedJan 2026
OwnerSolo inventor
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 53 words13 claimsSolo inventor
Novel mercaptan compounds, particularly those including a photolabile protecting group, are described as well as methods of using the compounds for the prevention and treatment of ocular damage and disease.
Filed2008
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerEncore Health, LLC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 21 words38 claimsOwned by Encore Health, LLC
An absorbent article generally has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting said front and back waist…
Filed2004
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 37 words9 claimsOwned by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
The present invention provides a burner design and method for a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) liquid fuel gun that generates turbulent atomization and uses one or more jets as an injection method for liquid fuel and…
Filed2005
LapsedJun 2026
OwnerSulzer Metco (US) Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 39 words23 claimsOwned by Sulzer Metco (US) Inc.
A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell including an electrolyte sandwiched between two catalyst layers or sheets, each catalyst layer or sheet being in contact with a porous electrode, in which one or several catalyst layers or…
Filed2010
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerSTMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 41 words22 claimsOwned by STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS
A power generator includes one or more full bridge inverter modules coupled to a semiconductor opening switch (SOS) through an inductive resonant branch.
Filed2011
LapsedFeb 2026
OwnerGeneral Electric Company
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 42 words21 claimsOwned by General Electric Company
A phosphoric acid fuel cell according to one embodiment includes an array of microchannels defined by a porous electrolyte support structure extending between bottom and upper support layers, the microchannels including…
Filed2004
LapsedMay 2026
OwnerLawrene Livermore National Security, LLC.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 46 words39 claimsOwned by Lawrene Livermore National Security, LLC.
An ophthalmic device and an arrangement for generating images with expanded dynamic range and a corresponding method for generating images with expanded dynamic range have at least one beamsplitter, in particular with…
Filed2008
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerCarl Zeiss Meditec AG
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 48 words15 claimsOwned by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
To identify an alternative swelling medium with a hydrophilic polymer, we have observed that a swelling medium containing only 6% PEG 2000 and 0.9% NaCl failed to protect a hydrophilic coating during electron beam…
Filed2009
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerColoplast A/S
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 52 words20 claimsOwned by Coloplast A/S
A calibration device for location of a CT X-ray generator and detector includes a splitting window, a splitting window bracket configured to support the splitting window, an integral bracket, and a spring including a…
Filed2011
LapsedJan 2026
OwnerGE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 54 words20 claimsOwned by GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (108) that emits radiation that traverses an examination region (106) and a detection system (114) that detects radiation that traverses the examination region (106)…
Filed2009
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N.V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 56 words22 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
One example embodiment of the present invention relates to an implant, particularly an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body that contains metallic material, preferably iron.
Filed2009
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerBIOTRONIK VI Patent AG
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 56 words20 claimsOwned by BIOTRONIK VI Patent AG
A method for treating a patient suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, comprises epidurally applying electrical stimulation energy to a spinothalamic tract of the patient, thereby treating the chronic neuropathic pain.
A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning,…
Filed2004
LapsedJun 2026
OwnerNeuroLogica Corp.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 60 words36 claimsOwned by NeuroLogica Corp.
The invention relates to a method according to which an aircraft (10) is moved along the ground by means of at least two separate appliances (12) connected to the aircraft independently from each other or other…
Filed2009
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerAirbus (S.A.S.)
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 34 words10 claimsOwned by Airbus (S.A.S.)
An Error signal handling comprises a circuitry configured to receive an error signal from an external device indicating an error condition in the external device.
Filed2012
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerInfineon Technologies AG
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words22 claimsOwned by Infineon Technologies AG
The in-vehicle display apparatus includes a meter design file storage device, a vehicle data output device, a meter image control device; and a meter image display device.
Filed2012
LapsedJun 2026
OwnerToyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words9 claimsOwned by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
A vibration isolation system for attenuating vibration energy between two aircraft structures, such as between the aircraft's fuselage and interior cabin.
Filed2011
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerGulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words27 claimsOwned by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
A curtain airbag for a motor vehicle includes a two-layer lug for fastening to the motor vehicle formed by a first layer which is folded back upon itself to a second layer.
Filed2009
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerAutoliv Development AB
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words20 claimsOwned by Autoliv Development AB
A transition metal nitride is obtained by a nitriding treatment of a surface of a base material including a transition metal or an alloy of the transition metal, and the transition metal nitride has a crystal structure…
Filed2006
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerNissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 24 words18 claimsOwned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
A method for the production of a macroporous ceramic foam, wherein: (a) forming a ceramic slip comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of a ceramic particulate, an organic binder in a liquid carrier, and…
Filed1999
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerApaTech Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 32 words31 claimsOwned by ApaTech Limited
The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc.
Filed2010
LapsedJan 2026
OwnerSolo inventor
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 35 words22 claimsSolo inventor
A positive electrode may include an electrically conductive scaffold, conductive catalytic A-site deficient perovskite particles chemically bonded to the scaffold, an ion and gas permeable ionomer connecting the…
Filed2013
LapsedMay 2026
OwnerZAF Energy Systems, Incorporated
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 36 words23 claimsOwned by ZAF Energy Systems, Incorporated
A graft and method of using a graft are described that should decrease the incidence of abnormal placentation and uterine rupture that result from cesarean section and restore the anatomic integrity of the uterus at a…
Filed2006
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerCook Biotech Incorporated
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 38 words7 claimsOwned by Cook Biotech Incorporated
This is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual and particularly, this is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Filed1999
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerBroncus Medical Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 39 words20 claimsOwned by Broncus Medical Inc.
The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least three major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an color-developer or a combination of color-developers that can…
Filed2011
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 40 words20 claimsOwned by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Polymers including pendent hydrophobic groups and pendent proton transfer groups are shown to form nanostructured films exhibiting greatly increased proton conductivity compared with films prepared from corresponding…
Filed2010
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerThe University of Massachusettes
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 47 words15 claimsOwned by The University of Massachusettes
Methods and apparatus are provided for treating contrast nephropathy, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal…
Filed2002
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerMedtronic Adrian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 48 words20 claimsOwned by Medtronic Adrian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
A method and system of delivering a first medicament to a first injection depth and a second medicament to a second injection depth using a single dispense interface.
Filed2011
LapsedJun 2026
OwnerSanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 53 words11 claimsOwned by Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing MAD therapy via an adjustable mandibular advancement device structured to advance the position of the patient's lower jaw, providing CPAP therapy via a…
Filed2007
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerResMed Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 61 words21 claimsOwned by ResMed Limited
An electrical feed-through includes an electrically conductive connection pin and an elastic insulation member coupled to the connection pin by vulcanizing the insulation member, wherein the coupled connection pin and…
Filed2011
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 61 words18 claimsOwned by Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to…
Filed2003
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerBlackBerry Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 62 words26 claimsOwned by BlackBerry Limited
The invention refers to a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor and a method for monitoring physiological parameters of a person, a textile fabric and a use of a textile fabric.
Filed2008
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N.V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 62 words16 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
The invention relates to an implant which includes, in order to electrically stimulate a nerve structure, in particular the retina, an electrically insulating substrate (1), a array of recesses (2) formed in an upper…
Filed2011
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerUniversite Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6)
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 63 words31 claimsOwned by Universite Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6)
Methods and systems enable thermal treating a portion of a subject using microwave or other electromagnetic radiation without harming other portions of the subject.
Filed2009
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerQUALCOMM Incorporated
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 63 words9 claimsOwned by QUALCOMM Incorporated
A therapy program may be generated based on an algorithmic model of a baseline therapy field, which may represent a therapy field resulting from therapy delivery via the first therapy system based on a first therapy…
Filed2008
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerMedtronic, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 64 words43 claimsOwned by Medtronic, Inc.
A measuring device for medical applications in at least one example embodiment includes a first part provided with measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for…
Filed2003
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerLaborie Medical Technologies Canada ULC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 67 words22 claimsOwned by Laborie Medical Technologies Canada ULC
A magnetic stimulator, which may be used as a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, and a method for its use are disclosed.
Filed2000
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerThe United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 68 words41 claimsOwned by The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
An apparatus includes a diagnostic scanner (102) and a treatment planner (112).
Filed2007
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerKoninklijke Philips N.V.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 68 words19 claimsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Rankings are estimates from public patent records, not a valuation, investment advice or a promise of sales. A lapsed patent's own claims are free to use in the US, but newer patents, regulations and other rights can still apply. Check before you build, and see the disclaimer.