Important Innovations

  VW Files a Patent for Hydrogen Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Vehicle                                                       Source:  VW Very Long-Range Vehicle with Zero Carbon Emissions Volkswagen has a late November big surprise.  It just confirmed that it has filed a patent for a hydrogen car that it is developing with a 1,243-mile range. The patent also covers what appears to be game-changing, hydrogen fuel cell technology.  Automotive experts believe that this could be a major breakthrough for the deployment and potential widespread use of H2 cars.  Such vehicles have the capability of travelling very long distances with no refueling.  Ironically, until recently, VW executives have downplayed the prospects of hydrogen powered vehicles reaching critical mass and being impactful.  Apparently, VW has radically changed its mind and is developing highly impactful, potentially breakthrough green fuel technology. Technological Breakthrough The hydrogen fuel cell that VW is working on appears

  VW Files a Patent for Hydrogen Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Vehicle                                                       Source:  VW Very Long-Range Vehicle with Zero Carbon Emissions Volkswagen has a late November big surprise.  It just confirmed that it has filed a patent for a hydrogen car that it is developing with a 1,243-mile range. The patent also covers what appears to be game-changing, hydrogen fuel cell technology.  Automotive experts believe that this could be a major breakthrough for the deployment and potential widespread use of H2 cars.  Such vehicles have the capability of travelling very long distances with no refueling.  Ironically, until recently, VW executives have downplayed the prospects of hydrogen powered vehicles reaching critical mass and being impactful.  Apparently, VW has radically changed its mind and is developing highly impactful, potentially breakthrough green fuel technology. Technological Breakthrough The hydrogen fuel cell that VW is working on appears

  Subaru Seeking US Patent Protection For Flying Motorcycle                                                  Source:  Flying Motorcycle Concepts Stock Images                        Source: Artist Rendering of Flying Motorcycle                                    Source:  Subaru's Design Drawings Vertical Takeoff and Landing Personal Mobility Subaru has designed and filed a US patent for a land and air vehicle, which is essentially a flying motorcycle.  The design drawing showcases a motorcycle encased in the fuselage of a plane.  The vehicle is a VTOL, or vertical takeoff and landing vehicle.  It is powered by internal combustion not electricity. Biking and Flying Concept According to the patent filing, the wings tuck into the sides of motorcycle to ride it as a bike on the road.  For takeoffs, the wings extend with their propellers facing upwards to takeoff and land vertically like a helicopter.  There is a fixed rotor at the back of the vehicle.  After takeoff, the vehicle's w

Apple Camera Watch Source:  Apple Apple Secures new Patent Apple has secured a patent for a new Camera Watch.  The camera is embedded in a flexible, expandable watchband.  It enables the wearer to shoot pictures and use the display to see and frame the images.  For more on this new invention, go to  Important Innovations Collection: Apple Camera Watch : Camera in the Band Source:  Apple Camera Watch Picture Perfect Patent Apple has just received a patent for a new invention.  They&#39...

Package Deliveries and Surveillance Source:  Amazon US Patent for the Technology Amazon has found yet another way to make potentially significant money.  It's just secured a patent to utilize its package delivery drones for security surveillance for its customers. Geofencing According to the patent, the surveillance would be limited by geofencing.  That's a technology which draws a virtual line around a property under surveillance.  According to the patent, the drone would record video of the customer's house at the customer's request for security.  The drone would pick up such issues as a broken window or open garage door. Drones Ready for Takeoff In the next few months, Amazon's fleet of delivery drones will start flying purchases to customers starting at a distance of 30 minutes or less.  Interestingly, Amazon filed for the patent to enable drone surveillance in 2015 and just received the patent this month.  No word on if or when Amazon will offer

Design with Rotors that Pop Out of the Wheels Toyota's Flying Car Design Concept Toyota's Quadcopter Toyota has applied for a patent on its flying car design.  The wheels have spring-loaded, pop out helicopter rotors.  It has the appearance of a quadcopter.  If you decide you want to fly and get out of a traffic jam, you switch on the flying mode.  The wheels start to fold upwards.  Then, the wheels sprout rotor blades and spin up, providing lift. Drives Like a Tank According to the patent filing, the wheels and rotors would be electric powered.  It's not clear what type of engine would generate the electricity.  The source could be hydrogen fuel cells, EV batteries or some type of combustion engine.  In driving mode, the flying car would steer in a manner similar to tracked vehicles such as a tank. Crowded Skies There are quite a few flying cars getting close to entering the airspace.  Volvo announced it will start selling sister company Terrafugia's fl