Patent Yard Sign in
Opportunities

The biggest openings in the register

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.

Field

Claude's analysis

Read from each patent's abstract and claims. Market notes are general, with no figures we can't source.

1
Medical Devices · US 8,551,104 B2

Self-contained, diode-laser-based dermatologic treatment apparatus

Now free to use
A cordless, hand-held diode-laser device for slowing hair regrowth, with its battery-driven pulse circuit inside the housing.
Who would buy it
At-home beauty device brands and salons that want a cordless laser rather than a flash lamp.
Why now
Diode lasers and high-drain lithium cells are far cheaper than in 2006, and at-home light-based hair removal is an established consumer category.
Check first
Laser devices sold for this use need FDA clearance and eye-safety engineering, and the original owner may hold newer patents.
Owner paid to keep it 12 years69 claimsOwned by Tria Beauty, Inc.
Drawing from US 8,766,483 B22
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,766,483 B2

Wireless power range increase using parasitic antennas

Now free to use
Extending wireless charging range by having a second, differently sized resonant antenna pick up power and re-transmit it to a nearby device.
Who would buy it
Makers of desks, car consoles, shelves and IoT hubs that want charging to reach farther than one pad.
Why now
Phones, earbuds and sensors all charge wirelessly now, and people want charging surfaces rather than exact placement.
Check first
Wireless power is crowded with newer patents, so check freedom to operate for the specific antenna design you use.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsOwned by QUALCOMM Incorporated
3
Consumer Products · US 8,787,621 B2

Methods and systems for determining and displaying animal metrics

Now free to use
Estimating an animal's weight from a camera image by matching it to models of known weight, then tracking daily gain and forecasting weight.
Who would buy it
Ranches, feedlots, dairies and livestock auctions that weigh animals by hand or on scales.
Why now
Phone cameras and off-the-shelf vision models make this a software product rather than a research project.
Check first
The owner's related applications may still be alive; check the family before launching.
Owner paid to keep it 12 years28 claimsOwned by ClicRweight, LLC
Drawing from US 8,788,096 B14
Robotics & Automation · US 8,788,096 B1

Self-balancing robot having a shaft-mounted head

Now free to use
A two-wheeled self-balancing telepresence robot with a camera head on a slim telescoping shaft and a stabilizer that retracts into the base.
Who would buy it
Remote-work offices, hospitals, eldercare homes and building security.
Why now
Hoverboard-style motors, cheap IMUs and video calling have made balancing robots inexpensive to build.
Check first
Other telepresence robot patents remain in force, so keep to the claimed layout or check them.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 66 words16 claimsOwned by Anybots 2.0, Inc.
5
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,706,742 B1

System for enhancing expert-based computerized analysis of a set of digital documents and methods useful in conjunction therewith

Now free to use
Ranking documents for relevance to an issue, then mining their metadata (senders, dates, folders) for leads that correlate with the high scores.
Who would buy it
Law firms, e-discovery vendors and compliance teams reviewing large document sets.
Why now
Language models make document scoring cheap, and the metadata-lead step adds an explainable layer on top.
Check first
E-discovery has many active patents; the claims here are specific to the iterative control-subset method.
Owner paid to keep it 12 years70 claimsOwned by Equivio Ltd.
6
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,634,686 B2

Light-tracking optical device and application to light concentration

Now free to use
A solar concentrator that tracks the sun with no motors: two immiscible fluids move toward the hot spot and couple focused light into a light guide.
Who would buy it
Solar and daylighting companies looking for flat, trackerless concentrators.
Why now
Cheap high-efficiency cells and interest in low-maintenance solar make passive tracking more attractive.
Check first
This is lab-grade optics; expect real materials and lifetime testing before a product.
Owner paid to keep it 12 years64 claimsOwned by Glint Photonics, Inc.
7
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,577,630 B2

Automatic discharge of a failed battery

Now free to use
When a battery pack detects a failure, a latch automatically drains its stored energy so a damaged pack holds less charge.
Who would buy it
E-bike, e-scooter, power-tool and home battery makers, and fleet operators.
Why now
Battery fires in micromobility are a public concern, and the claim is broad: detect, latch, drain.
Check first
Draining a damaged lithium pack safely takes careful thermal design and testing to UL standards.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 39 words17 claimsOwned by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
8
Medical Devices · US 8,641,415 B2

Method and apparatus for tooth crack detection by means of acoustic emission

Now free to use
Finding cracks in a tooth, even under a crown, by stressing it gently and listening to its acoustic emission against a baseline recorded earlier.
Who would buy it
Dental device makers and dental practices.
Why now
Small piezo sensors and signal-processing chips are cheap, and cracked teeth are hard to find with X-rays.
Check first
A diagnostic dental device needs regulatory clearance before sale.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 39 words18 claimsOwned by Kallis Technical Services
9
Medical Devices · US 8,593,286 B2

System and method for wireless monitoring of sports activities

Now free to use
Wireless body sensors feeding a system that gives athletes statistical feedback and a coaching instruction for a defined sport.
Who would buy it
Sports-tech startups, coaching apps, teams and training academies.
Why now
Watches and clip-on motion sensors are everywhere; the value is in sport-specific feedback.
Check first
Sports analytics is crowded, so keep the build close to the claimed rules-based feedback.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 75 words36 claimsOwned by AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
10
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,745,998 B2

Methods and systems for controlling vehicle defrost units

Now free to use
Predicting when fog has formed on a vehicle window and switching the defroster on and off automatically.
Who would buy it
Electric vehicle makers, bus and truck fleets, and aftermarket climate-control suppliers.
Why now
In electric vehicles cabin heating costs driving range, so running the defroster only when needed saves energy.
Check first
Automakers hold many newer climate-control patents; check the sensors you plan to use.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 67 words15 claimsOwned by GM Global Technology Operations LLC
11
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,794,601 B2

Humidifier

Now free to use
A humidifier that uses furnace condensate, passing water through a membrane that blocks the condensate's acid, with airflow across it.
Who would buy it
HVAC equipment makers and installers.
Why now
Condensing furnaces are standard and already produce the water; the claim has just two elements, so it is broad.
Check first
Membrane choice, water quality and local plumbing codes need checking.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 42 words20 claimsOwned by Carrier Corporation
Drawing from US 8,682,482 B212
Robotics & Automation · US 8,682,482 B2

Pace-aware helper robot

Now free to use
A robot arm that watches a worker, estimates how far along a task they are, and hands over the next part at the right moment.
Who would buy it
Small manufacturers, repair shops, labs and commercial kitchens.
Why now
Camera-based pose tracking and low-cost collaborative arms make this practical outside big factories.
Check first
Collaborative robots must meet safety standards for working near people.
Owner paid to keep it 12 years13 claimsOwned by Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc.
Drawing from US 8,678,771 B213
Robotics & Automation · US 8,678,771 B2

Process for manufacturing a component

Now free to use
Building metal parts from a stack of bonded foils cut from slices of a 3D model, where the foils differ in thickness.
Who would buy it
Makers of heat exchangers, cooling plates, tooling and aerospace parts.
Why now
Laser and waterjet cutting are cheap, and laminated metal parts can be made without a metal 3D printer.
Check first
Bond strength and flatness decide whether parts pass; plan testing early.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 49 words26 claimsOwned by Siemens Energy, Inc.
Drawing from US 8,660,842 B214
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,660,842 B2

Enhancing speech recognition using visual information

Now free to use
Using a camera to judge a room's shape, then tuning echo and noise removal before recognizing speech.
Who would buy it
Video-conferencing hardware, smart speakers with cameras, cars and home robots.
Why now
Devices with both a camera and microphones are common, and vision models can read a room's layout.
Check first
Speech processing has many active patents; the claim needs the image-to-reverberation step.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 100 words24 claimsOwned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
15
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,773,052 B2

Control of a brushless motor

Now free to use
Driving a brushless motor with a phase advance that varies periodically over time and adjusts with motor speed.
Who would buy it
Makers of vacuums, fans, drones, power tools and e-bike motor controllers.
Why now
Brushless motors are in almost everything with a fan or wheel, and this is firmware on a cheap microcontroller.
Check first
The motor maker may hold newer control patents; implement the claimed method, not later refinements.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 51 words23 claimsOwned by Dyson Technology Limited
16
Medical Devices · US 8,658,106 B2

System and method for sanitizing a handle

Now free to use
A cover for a fuel pump handle that sprays sanitizer on the handle after it is put back.
Who would buy it
Fuel station chains, EV charging networks and pump makers.
Why now
People expect cleaner shared touch points, and EV charging cables have the same problem.
Check first
Sanitizer spraying at a fuel pump has fire-safety and chemical rules to meet.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 60 words19 claimsOwned by Solutions; Van Z
Drawing from US 8,590,533 B217
Sports & Fitness · US 8,590,533 B2

Adjustable inhalation resistence exercise device

Now free to use
A hands-free breathing-resistance training mask with interchangeable inlet plugs that set how hard it is to inhale.
Who would buy it
Fitness brands, sports teams and respiratory-training coaches.
Why now
Breathing training is a growing fitness niche, and the mask can be made by injection molding.
Check first
Health claims for breathing devices are regulated; sell it as training equipment.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 100 words17 claimsSolo inventor
Drawing from US 8,747,287 B218
Sports & Fitness · US 8,747,287 B2

Back-extension chair for the prevention of low back pain symptoms

Now free to use
A chair whose back pivots against swappable spring cylinders, so sitting doubles as a back-extension exercise.
Who would buy it
Office furniture makers and home-fitness brands.
Why now
Desk work and back pain are common, and people want exercise built into furniture.
Check first
Load testing for furniture safety standards is required.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 42 words17 claimsSolo inventor

Next 96 by score

Ranked by the same signals. Open any one for its claims, drawings and the Claude kit.

19
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,617,760 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,617,760 B2

Localized deactivation of a membrane

A method including providing an ion conductive membrane and deactivating a selected region of the membrane.

Filed2006
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerGM Global Technology Operations LLC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 17 words19 claimsOwned by GM Global Technology Operations LLC
20
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,565,862 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,565,862 B2

Optical imaging method for tissue characterization

There is provided a method for detecting and characterizing abnormalities within biological tissues.

Filed2004
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerSoftscan Healthcare Group Ltd.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 18 words30 claimsOwned by Softscan Healthcare Group Ltd.
21
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 25 words5 claimsOwned by Baxano Surgical, Inc.
22
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,731,664 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,731,664 B2

Reduced diameter axial rotary pump for cardiac assist

The pump is of an axial flow rotary type suitable for implantation into the human heart or vascular system.

Filed2008
LapsedMay 2026
OwnerCalon Cardio Technology Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 26 words21 claimsOwned by Calon Cardio Technology Limited
23
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,663,151 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,663,151 B2

Personal care devices including moisture-activated compositions

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.
24
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,631,796 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,631,796 B2

Laryngeal mask

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.
25
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,784,378 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,784,378 B2

Drug delivery device with light source

A visual identification coding for a cartridge or cartridge holder for use with a drug delivery device is described.

Filed2010
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerSanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 48 words17 claimsOwned by Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
26
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 49 words16 claimsOwned by Cochlear Limited
27
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 52 words20 claimsOwned by University of Memphis Research Foundation
28
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,676,832 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,676,832 B2

Accessing medical image databases using anatomical shape information

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.
29
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,693,621 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,693,621 B2

Source and/or detector positioning system

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.
30
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 56 words27 claimsOwned by Google Inc.
31
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,536,752 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,536,752 B2

Voltage regulated permanent magnet machine

A permanent magnet generator comprises a stator core, a plurality of windings situated on the stator core, and a plurality of stress elements.

Filed2011
LapsedSep 2025
OwnerHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words22 claimsOwned by Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
32
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words22 claimsOwned by Arnold; Ben A.
33
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,604,784 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,604,784 B2

Cushion for a patient bed in a medical imaging apparatus

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
34
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,567,391 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,567,391 B2

Heat and moisture exchanger, heat and moisture exchanging device, and mask

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.
35
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,563,941 B1
Medical Devices · US 8,563,941 B1

Data acquisition

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.
36
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,768,852 B2
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,768,852 B2

Determining phrases related to other phrases

Techniques for generating and providing phrases are described herein.

Filed2009
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerAmazon Technologies, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 59 words33 claimsOwned by Amazon Technologies, Inc.
37
Drawing from US 8,666,157 B2Lapsed, fee not paid6 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,666,157 B2

Color segmenting a raster image

An apparatus for processing a raster image comprising a plurality of pixels is disclosed.

Filed2011
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerColorcom, Ltd.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 59 words4 claimsOwned by Colorcom, Ltd.
38
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 75 words19 claimsOwned by Nantero Inc.
39
Drawing from US 8,666,741 B2Lapsed, fee not paid3 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,666,741 B2

System and method for remote speech recognition

A system and method for remote speech recognition includes one or more customer premise equipment, a speech engine, and a communication engine.

Filed2002
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerChiharu Technologies LLC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 80 words25 claimsOwned by Chiharu Technologies LLC
40
Drawing from US 8,606,581 B1Lapsed, fee not paid14 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,606,581 B1

Multi-pass speech recognition

According to example configurations, a speech recognition system is configured to receive an utterance.

Filed2010
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerNuance Communications, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 85 words24 claimsOwned by Nuance Communications, Inc.
41
Drawing from US 8,600,733 B1Lapsed, fee not paid4 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,600,733 B1

Language selection using language indicators

An ordered list of language indicators may be obtained, wherein each of the language indicators is either user defined or system defined.

Filed2011
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerGoogle Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 87 words19 claimsOwned by Google Inc.
42
Drawing from US 8,661,341 B1Lapsed, fee not paid5 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,661,341 B1

Simhash based spell correction

Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing simhash based spell correction are provided.

Filed2011
LapsedFeb 2026
OwnerGoogle, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 92 words16 claimsOwned by Google, Inc.
43
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 93 words31 claimsOwned by Greatbatch Ltd.
44
Drawing from US 8,539,772 B2Lapsed, fee not paid9 drawings
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,539,772 B2

Air conditioning using mechanical leverage and refrigerants

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
45
Drawing from US 8,701,236 B2Lapsed, fee not paid4 drawings
Medical Devices · US 8,701,236 B2

Electric toothbrush

An electric toothbrush includes a handle housing a motor and a drive shaft.

Filed2009
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerSolo inventor
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 53 words17 claimsSolo inventor
46
Drawing from US 8,632,092 B2Lapsed, fee not paid5 drawings
Medical Devices · US 8,632,092 B2

Rollator having an adjustable seat orientation

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
47
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,697,109 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,697,109 B2

Caged mercaptan and seleno-mercaptan compounds and methods of using them

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
48
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,550,985 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,550,985 B2

Applications of LIPSS in polymer medical devices

Medical devices have material that that has a laser induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) pattern on at least a portion thereof.

Filed2004
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 26 words19 claimsOwned by Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
49
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 37 words9 claimsOwned by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
50
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,747,101 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,747,101 B2

High velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) liquid fuel gun and burner design

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.
51
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,518,602 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,518,602 B2

Fuel cell electrode

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
52
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,641,709 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,641,709 B2

Percutaneous pringle occlusion method and device

Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure.

Filed2001
LapsedFeb 2026
OwnerBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 42 words22 claimsOwned by Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
53
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,649,188 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,649,188 B2

Solid state pulsed power generator

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
54
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,632,453 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,632,453 B2

Spacer for sling delivery system

The invention features systems, methods, and devices relating to delivering a sling to an anatomical site in the body of a patient.

Filed2002
LapsedJan 2026
OwnerBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 44 words25 claimsOwned by Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
55
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,790,804 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,790,804 B2

Battery with self-programming fuse

A useful lifetime of an energy storage device can be extended by providing a series connection of a battery cell and an self-programming fuse.

Filed2012
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerInternational Business Machines Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 44 words13 claimsOwned by International Business Machines Corporation
56
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,715,882 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,715,882 B2

High power density fuel cell comprising an array of microchannels

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.
57
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,542,273 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,542,273 B2

Arrangement and method for generating images with expanded dynamics

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
58
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,703,048 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,703,048 B2

Buffered swelling media for radiation sterilized hydrophilic coatings

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
59
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,622,615 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,622,615 B2

Calibration device for location of CT x-ray generator and detector, calibration method using the calibration device, and calibration method for CT system

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
60
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,595,001 B2
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,595,001 B2

System for bandwidth extension of narrow-band speech

A method applies a parametric approach to bandwidth extension but does not require training.

Filed2001
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerAT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 55 words20 claimsOwned by AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
61
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,532,251 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,532,251 B2

Multi-detector array imaging system

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.
62
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 56 words21 claimsOwned by Adenopaint, LLC
63
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,709,073 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,709,073 B2

Implant and method for production of the same

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
64
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words20 claimsOwned by General Electric Company
65
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,706,240 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,706,240 B2

Method for direct modulation of the spinothalamic tract

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.

Filed2011
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerBoston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words21 claimsOwned by Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
66
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,666,497 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,666,497 B2

Coupling module of a modular implantable medical device

In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another.

Filed2002
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerMedtronic, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words20 claimsOwned by Medtronic, Inc.
67
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words19 claimsOwned by Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
68
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words18 claimsOwned by California Institute of Technology
69
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 60 words36 claimsOwned by NeuroLogica Corp.
70
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,567,714 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,567,714 B2

Flight control using actuated variable moment arm

Systems and techniques are described for actuating a control surface about a pivot point using variable moments.

Filed2007
LapsedOct 2025
OwnerThe Boeing Company
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 24 words20 claimsOwned by The Boeing Company
71
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 29 words20 claimsOwned by Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
72
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 32 words16 claimsOwned by Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
73
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,677,746 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,677,746 B2

Master cylinder and brake booster assembly

A brake booster includes a housing, a retention cuff, and a spring.

Filed2010
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerRobert Bosch GmbH
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 33 words17 claimsOwned by Robert Bosch GmbH
74
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,788,117 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,788,117 B2

Method for moving an aircraft along the ground

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.)
75
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,678,753 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,678,753 B2

Passive flow control through turbine engine

An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow is disclosed herein.

Filed2009
LapsedMar 2026
OwnerRolls-Royce Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 45 words17 claimsOwned by Rolls-Royce Corporation
76
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,702,382 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,702,382 B2

Composite component

A composite component such as a fan rear seal comprises a hub and a body of composite material which is molded over the outer periphery of the hub.

Filed2009
LapsedApr 2026
OwnerRolls-Royce PLC
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 47 words9 claimsOwned by Rolls-Royce PLC
77
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words22 claimsOwned by Infineon Technologies AG
78
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 57 words9 claimsOwned by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
79
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,534,594 B2
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,534,594 B2

Vibration isolation system using electrical cables as mass

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
80
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words20 claimsOwned by Autoliv Development AB
81
Drawing from US 8,594,839 B2Lapsed, fee not paid15 drawings
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,594,839 B2

Human emulation robot system

A robot system comprising a flexible artificial skin operable to be mechanically flexed under the control of a computational system.

Filed2003
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerSolo inventor
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 55 words20 claimsSolo inventor
82
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,765,321 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,765,321 B2

Transition metal nitride, separator for fuel cells, fuel cell stack, fuel cell vehicle, method of manufacturing transition metal nitride, and method of manufacturing separator for fuel cells

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.
83
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,613,876 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,613,876 B2

Foamed ceramics

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
84
Drawing from US 8,634,989 B1Lapsed, fee not paid10 drawings
Vehicles & Drones · US 8,634,989 B1

Rollover prevention apparatus

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
85
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,728,671 B1
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,728,671 B1

Air electrodes including perovskites

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
86
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,721,643 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,721,643 B2

Telemetric orthopaedic implant

An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed.

Filed2005
LapsedMay 2026
OwnerSmith & Nephew, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 38 words15 claimsOwned by Smith & Nephew, Inc.
87
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,790,414 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,790,414 B2

Graft for hysterotomy closure

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
88
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,506,648 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,506,648 B2

Extrapleural airway device and method

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.
89
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,791,045 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,791,045 B2

Non-tacky wetness indicator composition for application on a polymeric substrate

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.
90
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 46 words19 claimsOwned by Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
91
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,584,675 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,584,675 B2

Device for removing pulmonary secretions

A device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient provides for a duct, an expansion chamber and means for accelerating the exhaled air.

Filed2009
LapsedNov 2025
OwnerIPH Establishment
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 46 words17 claimsOwned by IPH Establishment
92
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,766,200 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,766,200 B2

Mechanical shock isolation for a radiographic device

A portable radiation detector is described having an elastomeric enclosure that provides some degree of mechanical shock resistance.

Filed2012
LapsedJul 2026
OwnerGeneral Electric Company
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 47 words19 claimsOwned by General Electric Company
93
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,519,074 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,519,074 B2

Comb polymers for supramolecular nanoconfinement

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
94
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,551,069 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,551,069 B2

Methods and apparatus for treating contrast nephropathy

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.
95
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,512,221 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,512,221 B2

Automated treatment system for sleep

Automated behavioral methods and systems for treating Insomnia that use passive means for determining wake/sleep states.

Filed2003
LapsedAug 2025
OwnerConsolidated Research of Richmond, Inc.
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 49 words30 claimsOwned by Consolidated Research of Richmond, Inc.
96
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 52 words17 claimsOwned by University of Maryland, College Park
97
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,747,365 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,747,365 B2

Needle cannula containing medicament

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
98
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 53 words9 claimsOwned by Baylor University
99
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 54 words15 claimsOwned by Aptar France SAS
100
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,620,674 B2
AI & Machine Learning · US 8,620,674 B2

Multi-channel audio encoding and decoding

An audio encoder and decoder use architectures and techniques that improve the efficiency of multi-channel audio coding and decoding.

Filed2002
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerMicrosoft Corporation
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 58 words20 claimsOwned by Microsoft Corporation
101
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,770,196 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,770,196 B2

System and method for treating patient with obstructive sleep apnea

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
102
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,525,047 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,525,047 B2

Electrical feed-through for hermetic compressors

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.
103
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 61 words9 claimsOwned by EPIX Orthopaedics, Inc.
104
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,652,193 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,652,193 B2

Implant delivery device

An implant delivery device preferably includes a first shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion.

Filed2005
LapsedFeb 2026
OwnerAngiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 62 words58 claimsOwned by Angiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG
105
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 62 words36 claimsOwned by Dalhousie University
106
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,541,983 B2
Energy & Sustainability · US 8,541,983 B2

Circuit and method of operation for an electrical power supply

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
107
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,583,206 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,583,206 B2

Sensor arrangement and method for monitoring physiological parameters

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.
108
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,774,938 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,774,938 B2

Implant having three-dimensional shape for electrically stimulating a nerve structure

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)
109
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 63 words9 claimsOwned by QUALCOMM Incorporated
110
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,554,331 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,554,331 B2

Therapy program modification

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.
111
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,708,927 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,708,927 B2

Apparatus and method for medical measurement

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
112
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,608,634 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,608,634 B2

Coil for magnetic stimulation and methods for using the same

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
113
Lapsed, fee not paidUS 8,611,995 B2
Medical Devices · US 8,611,995 B2

Enabling device for implantable medical devices

Methods and devices for determining the operating mode of an implantable medical device are disclosed.

Filed2012
LapsedDec 2025
OwnerCochlear Limited
Owner paid to keep it 12 yearsBroad claim, 68 words28 claimsOwned by Cochlear Limited
114
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.