Xref: utzoo misc.legal:13441 sci.electronics:9439
Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!att!mcdchg!ddsw1!corpane!sparks
From: sparks@corpane.UUCP (John Sparks)
Newsgroups: misc.legal,sci.electronics
Subject: Patents
Message-ID: <1311@corpane.UUCP>
Date: 11 Jan 90 18:28:01 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Corpane Industries, Inc., Louisville Ky
Lines: 25

Could someone give me a general rundown on how to apply for a patent?

Let's say I had an idea for an invention, what is needed to get a patent?
Do I just have to have a detailed description, or is an actual working model
necessary? 

If just a detailed description, how detailed? Are details of parts and how
they interact enough or is a full schematic needed?

The thing I am thinking of consists of various sensors (already existing types)
and a computer (any kind will do) that serve a specific function. That is: The
way the parts are put together and used is the invention, not the individual
parts. Can I patent such a thing?

What is done about using any parts that are already patented (the sensors)?

Do I have to detail just the parts involved and how they are used in the
gadget, or do I have to actually have to get into the programming and 
electronics of the computer and sensors?


-- 
John Sparks  | D.I.S.K. 24hrs 1200bps. Accessable via Starlink (Louisville KY)
sparks@corpane.UUCP <><><><><><><><><><><> D.I.S.K. ph:502/968-5401 thru -5406  
Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out of it alive.