October 26, 2013
— Purple Avenger There's nothing "novel" here; why it would be granted is a mystery
A system includes a floating platform-mounted computer data center comprising a plurality of computing units, a sea-based electrical generator in electrical connection with the plurality of computing units, and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality of computing units.
Computers have been on boats forever. Water cooling of electronics? Old. Anchored generators? Old.
What is here that wasn't done by Soviet fishing "trawlers" 40 years ago during the cold war? Yea, because we're The Google, so SHUT UP, that's why.
It occurs to me this isn't actually an IP move, rather a political one; a "shot across the bow" directed towards local government and power companies. Google is saying there is a point at which excessive taxation and high electrical costs will cause them to seek alternatives.
Posted by: Purple Avenger at
07:11 AM
| Comments (183)
Post contains 156 words, total size 1 kb.
That'll learn the Soviets to not file for a US patent on their spy tech.
Posted by: International Patent Trolls, LLC at October 26, 2013 07:17 AM (0HMaA)
Posted by: someguy at October 26, 2013 07:19 AM (8XRrT)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 26, 2013 07:20 AM (b/lt+)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:21 AM (0HooB)
Be done by the end of November, bitches.
Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 07:21 AM (QdOC1)
Posted by: TheQuietMan at October 26, 2013 07:23 AM (JivuR)
Remember the old freighter based "pirate" radio stations that anchored off shore in the English Channel years ago?
The Gulf Stream off FL moves at about 3mph pace. That's fast enough to generate significant power if you drop enough turbines in it
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 07:24 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:25 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at October 26, 2013 07:26 AM (XIxXP)
The NSA already has that stuff floating around out there.
Snowden is just about ready to release that bit of info, so Google jumps the gun and files a patent.
How's that for a kooky conspiracy theory?
Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 07:26 AM (QdOC1)
Posted by: Gmac-Pondering the coming taxational singularity at October 26, 2013 07:26 AM (IanLz)
ooh, ooh. I think this is the one where Kevin Costner has webbed hands and gills! Kewl!!
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 07:26 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain at October 26, 2013 07:27 AM (p0SKy)
Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at October 26, 2013 07:27 AM (XIxXP)
Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at October 26, 2013 07:28 AM (8JJ6O)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:28 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Gmac-Pondering the coming implosion at October 26, 2013 07:29 AM (IanLz)
Posted by: navycopjoe at October 26, 2013 07:29 AM (qVKcL)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 11:28 AM (0HooB)
The Incredible Mr. Limpet is guarding it.
Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 07:30 AM (QdOC1)
Posted by: garrett at October 26, 2013 07:30 AM (vhBPL)
You'd just anchor it so the generators have a fixed mounting point and see relative water movement.
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 07:30 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:30 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Gmac-Pondering the coming implosion at October 26, 2013 07:31 AM (IanLz)
Posted by: navycopjoe at October 26, 2013 07:31 AM (qVKcL)
I don't think so, Google is mouth deep in govt kickbacks.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at October 26, 2013 07:32 AM (nKUHR)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:32 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Boss Moss the Redskin Savage at October 26, 2013 07:32 AM (ujMoa)
Posted by: GnuBreed at October 26, 2013 07:33 AM (cHZB7)
Posted by: navycopjoe at October 26, 2013 07:33 AM (qVKcL)
At a 1/4 Giga-watt continuous power draw, Google's power bill is a huge chunk of their operating cost.
http://tinyurl.com/3ogm3lz
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 07:35 AM (4tK7k)
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale.
A tale of a fateful trip.
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship!
The mate was a mighty computer man
The skipper brave and sure
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour...
A three hour tour.
With Google-gan...
The Skipper too.
The billionaire...
And his wife...
The movie star, the Perfessor and Mary Ann.
Here on Google-gan's isle.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 07:36 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mustbequantum at October 26, 2013 07:36 AM (MIKMs)
Google has ~1/4 gigawatt continuous power draw. No amount of kickback can paper over that fixed operating cost.
Their power bill is such a big deal that they have their own operating system and compiler writers to tweak stuff up and make it more efficient.
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 07:38 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: navycopjoe at October 26, 2013 07:38 AM (qVKcL)
A new Hover dam payed for by taxpayers and owned by them?
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 07:39 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: navycopjoe at October 26, 2013 07:40 AM (qVKcL)
You get patents like this because of perverse incentives and lack of proper prosecution.
It would not hold up in a challenge and would probably be struck down in an inter parties re-examination.
Posted by: smergle at October 26, 2013 07:41 AM (YTsQk)
Posted by: Cosmo Kramer at October 26, 2013 07:42 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: "The Batman" at October 26, 2013 07:43 AM (nr6q0)
Posted by: Ian S. at October 26, 2013 07:44 AM (102Hx)
Posted by: t-bird at October 26, 2013 07:44 AM (FcR7P)
Posted by: Went West at October 26, 2013 07:45 AM (MvGWt)
Bring me one of those putting computers; how about a swing computer too while you're at it. But not in a boat. Maybe mount it on a girl's bike.
Posted by: King Barky The First at October 26, 2013 07:45 AM (cHZB7)
Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 07:45 AM (jucos)
Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS!!! at October 26, 2013 07:45 AM (bCEmE)
Posted by: Ian S. at October 26, 2013 07:45 AM (102Hx)
Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at October 26, 2013 07:46 AM (8JJ6O)
Google may be hard left politically, but that doesn't mean they're eager to pay taxes. They've been very aggressive in implementing all manner of tax avoidance schemes.
Leftists only want YOU to pay high taxes, not them.
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 07:46 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS!!! at October 26, 2013 07:46 AM (bCEmE)
Posted by: Jesse at October 26, 2013 07:48 AM (As/N8)
Good grief....there is no getting away from Juan Williams on Fox. He's fuckin' everywhere!
Posted by: Tami - GO CARDS!!! at October 26, 2013 11:46 AM (bCEmE)
He feels it's his job to spread stupidity to the whole world
Posted by: The Jackhole at October 26, 2013 07:49 AM (/7Xis)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:49 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 11:47 AM (MVBSu)
To get you up to speed:http://tinyurl.com/oeep9dl
Posted by: Sandra Fluke at October 26, 2013 07:49 AM (QdOC1)
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 07:51 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS!!! at October 26, 2013 07:51 AM (bCEmE)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 11:49 AM (0HooB)
Mine was on the 18th. At least I know that my parents had sex at least once in February..... not that I needed to know it.
Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 07:52 AM (jucos)
Posted by: Jean at October 26, 2013 07:52 AM (CMlD4)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 07:52 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 07:52 AM (N/Sup)
I had missed the birthday gift toaster and was going for the kill your rich husband in the bathtub toaster.
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 07:53 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 11:52 AM (jucos)
*****
OMG, I never considered that. My parents had sex? Ewwwwwwwww.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 07:54 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 07:54 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at October 26, 2013 07:55 AM (MBqvE)
Two completely different functions.
The perils of the written word, implication, and oblique references!
Posted by: Ian Galt at October 26, 2013 07:56 AM (QdOC1)
Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 07:57 AM (jucos)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 07:57 AM (0HooB)
Having put one foot off of the plantation (by merely appearing on Fox), Juan was fired from NPR/PBS. He has been doing penance ever since, trying to work his way back into the liberal establishments good graces.
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 11:54 AM (aDwsi)
*****
I sometimes get the feeling that neither Juan Juilliams doesn't really believe most of the twaddle he spews. He gets paid to be the "opposing viewpoint" on Fox News and plays that role fairly well. It's his job and he gets paid for it. I can't comment on the ethics or integrity of what he does. (Well, actually I could, but I won't)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 07:59 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:00 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 11:57 AM (0HooB)
*****
Is that how you steer a cow?
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:00 AM (N/Sup)
Yet every lefty on social media or who ruins Thanksgiving dinner tells you that Faux News is just a round the clock propaganda network that spews right wing lies
Fox gives you three plus hours a day from a gay leftist which would be like MSNBC giving 3 hours to Glen Beck.
You can try, but it won't sink in. Pointing out facts to obtuse leftists is like trying to grow hair on a frog
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:00 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 08:00 AM (rwgSb)
And if the Republicans were a opposition party we could have a little fun with that answer.
Posted by: Virginia-class submarine at October 26, 2013 08:01 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:02 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Phinn at October 26, 2013 08:02 AM (3zlTf)
Hey, pirates and terrorists ruining your shiny new boat? Sorry, that's out of our jurisdiction.
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:03 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:04 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:02 PM (0HooB)
*****
Here's a voucher. Go pick one up from the store room.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:04 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 08:04 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: rickl at October 26, 2013 08:06 AM (sdi6R)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:07 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: panzernashorn at October 26, 2013 08:07 AM (MhA4j)
http://scoamf.us/Gs
Posted by: Blanco Basura at October 26, 2013 08:08 AM (JawqV)
Posted by: rickl at October 26, 2013 08:09 AM (sdi6R)
Moreover, they are founts of projection. Whatever it may be that they accuse conservatives of, it is only because they themselves have those thoughts. By way of example, when you hear 'Racist!', it is because they themselves are entertaining unspoken racist thoughts.
The Modern American Progressive Movement - so many psychoses, so little duct tape.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:09 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Not_Al_Gore at October 26, 2013 08:10 AM (bcYkf)
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 08:10 AM (4+AaH)
So the Obamacare website uses something other than XOR?
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 08:10 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:04 PM (0HooB)
Google writes a nice big check to Greenpeace from petty cash, and Greenpeace says "nothing to see here"
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:11 AM (aTXUx)
They use NOR.
You shall have neither your old plan NOR one from the exchanges.
Posted by: Blanco Basura at October 26, 2013 08:12 AM (JawqV)
Posted by: Fritz at October 26, 2013 08:12 AM (TKFmG)
ISTR that the max speed for a relay computer is about 5 Hz.
Back before Enron went off the rails, they were an innovative company that provided electricity with some out of the box thinking. One of the things they did was build electric power plants on ships for third world countries. They would park them there and provide power until the third world kleptocracies stopped paying their electric bill, then they would disconnect the power lines, cast off and sail across the bounding main to another third world country.
Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at October 26, 2013 08:12 AM (q1sF4)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:12 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 08:13 AM (4+AaH)
It took me six weeks, but yes, and I think you're right.
Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at October 26, 2013 08:13 AM (hO8IJ)
Posted by: 4th generation warfare is old hat at October 26, 2013 08:13 AM (0HMaA)
Google Earth employs hipsters to wear a big backpack to map large undeveloped areas
I wonder how certain "farmers" feel about some hipster mapping their.. uh .. crops
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:14 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:14 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Lincolntf at October 26, 2013 08:15 AM (ZshNr)
In my line of work "bastard" is an honorific.
Posted by: Blanco Basura at October 26, 2013 08:15 AM (JawqV)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:15 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 08:15 AM (4+AaH)
Can't wait until Greenpeace decides to attack it.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:04 PM (0HooB)
Google writes a nice big check to Greenpeace from petty cash, and Greenpeace says "nothing to see here"
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 12:11 PM (aTXUx)"
Or Google hands a suitcase of cash to Executive Outcomes, the Greenpeace boats lose radio contact and are never seen again.
Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at October 26, 2013 08:16 AM (q1sF4)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:09 PM (0HooB)
*****
Interesting that you say that. Yesterday a friend commented that he and his wife missed seeing me at my 30th school reunion this year.
"Do you remember Gene So-and-so?"
Me- Yeah, I remember him vaguely, why?
"He's not a dude any more. We had dinner with him, he said, "Don't call me Gene. Call my Jeanine."
Me- He wasn't terribly handsome as a man, how did the changeover work out?
"Not so well."
I found a recent picture of the dude/dudette on line and wholeheartedly agree. Looks like Ben Franklin. How effed up is that?
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:16 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at October 26, 2013 08:17 AM (E8IHS)
What gives?
Google started doing something similar, that's what. My Lawyer says, nah - conspiracy theories. I say yeah. Because, GOOGLE!
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at October 26, 2013 08:17 AM (pgQxn)
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 08:17 AM (4+AaH)
Posted by: AE at October 26, 2013 08:17 AM (tTKaZ)
Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 08:18 AM (rwgSb)
The sound of the Harley can be attributed to the configuration of two pistons attached to one Y connecting rod
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:18 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:18 AM (aDwsi)
Similarl to their feelings on getting aerial photos of how they spread manure. The ones I know got the gold star photo saying you are doing it right (but we know exactly what you're doing so kneel bitch)
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 08:18 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 08:19 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 26, 2013 08:19 AM (aTXUx)
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 08:20 AM (4+AaH)
Posted by: flounder at October 26, 2013 08:21 AM (Kkt/i)
How effed up is that?
A lot, unfortunately.
I signed up for my HS YourFace page. A former classmate posts a lot of Progressive crap. I never miss an opportunity to deflate it.
It's great sport. She's a typical Prog/Com, and her tone towards me is dripping with condescension.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:21 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:22 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: panzernashorn at October 26, 2013 08:22 AM (MhA4j)
Because Socialism!1!
Posted by: The Clueless Do-Gooders at October 26, 2013 08:22 AM (Dwehj)
I'd bet my next paycheck an Obama voter.
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 12:17 PM (4+AaH)
*****
No doubt. Just to make it even more ironic/troubling, he/she counsels teenagers and young college students with LGBTQBBQBLT issues. I'll bet that's some unbiased guidance.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:23 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:23 AM (aDwsi)
USPTO has massive internal problems. Clueless inspectors, unmanageable volumes, etc. Some inspectors are very good, others abominable.
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 08:24 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:21 PM (0HooB)
****
I wouldn't imagine that you would sway her from her ideology, but do you get a sense that any outside observers or other classmates are leaning one way or another?
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:26 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Gottlieb Daimler at October 26, 2013 08:26 AM (aDwsi)
I would guess there is some sort of profit sharing there.
Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2013 12:15 PM (4+AaH)"
Yes. The hipsters begin a new career in agriculture as fertilizer.
Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at October 26, 2013 08:27 AM (q1sF4)
Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 08:27 AM (rwgSb)
"
Parents, teachers, Masters, best exemplify and exhort positively. Mainly because, if you tell the Pupils, students, young'n's, "Don't {x}!" what do they hear? "{x}!"
Don't is a good reminder once one has learned Do.
So, Do No Evil® tells you right away....Posted by: mindful webworker - once a parent, always.... at October 26, 2013 08:28 AM (izPgb)
---
I smell Nazis and aliens.
Posted by: WalrusRex at October 26, 2013 12:18 PM (rwgSb)
***
You may be on to something. Maybe they are loading up the Ark of the Covenant.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:29 AM (N/Sup)
But, has she called you a 'bagger' yet?
Not yet, but I know it's coming. She's a teacher (color me surprised), so she may be a little cautious about what she posts.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:29 AM (0HooB)
Is that some kind of sammich?>>
Yes Lettuce, guacamole, bacon,turkey,queso,bacon, bacon,queso,bacon,lettuce and tomato.
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 08:32 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 12:32 PM (MVBSu)
***
That actually doesn't sound half-bad. Think I'll go see what's in the fridge.
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:33 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:33 AM (aDwsi)
Everyone knows that shit is tucked away in Warehouse 13 out in the middle of nowhere.
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 08:33 AM (4tK7k)
A slogan should be positive, like an exhortation.
*****
So, "Don't stay on my lawn any longer!" would not be a good slogan?
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:34 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:36 AM (aDwsi)
I wouldn't imagine that you would sway her from her ideology, but do you get a sense that any outside observers or other classmates are leaning one way or another?
She'll post something perfectly ridiculous, cut and pasted from Prog Central, I reply the refutation. Not many others comment.
So it's basically just me and her. I knew her peripherally in HS but didn't hang in her crowd directly. I do try to stay congenial, but I don't let any of her postings go unaddressed. She's the only one posting political stuff.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:36 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: T. at October 26, 2013 08:36 AM (nr6q0)
Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 26, 2013 11:57 AM (jucos)
Yes that's probably true, but if you knew everything that your grown children had ever been up to, your eyes would probably be bugging out!
Posted by: jack.h at October 26, 2013 08:38 AM (E7i+5)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 12:36 PM (0HooB)
*****
Maybe you're influencing some lurkers, eh? That's similar to my strategy. Push back firmly but congenially, let them be the ones that get ugly, and understand that it's not them you are trying to convince of anything. Good luck!
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:38 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 26, 2013 08:39 AM (0HooB)
/Hedley Lamarr>>
I'm not a Kennedy so a rape sandwich is off limits to me.
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 08:41 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: mindful webworker - once a parent, always.... at October 26, 2013 08:41 AM (i5xnd)
Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 26, 2013 08:41 AM (N/Sup)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:43 AM (aDwsi)
That is a job that the cold will force you to do soon. Or if it's for your shower the stink will.
Posted by: The Hickster at October 26, 2013 08:46 AM (MVBSu)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:48 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: jet Built Around Cannon at October 26, 2013 08:49 AM (5bB1J)
Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 26, 2013 08:50 AM (aDwsi)
Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at October 26, 2013 08:53 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at October 26, 2013 08:55 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 26, 2013 08:55 AM (4tK7k)
Posted by: kj at October 26, 2013 09:09 AM (kw7uo)
Posted by: Blacksheep at October 26, 2013 09:18 AM (bS6uW)
You basically did a 2-second "OMG" post with no research. This is garbage, and smells like every recycled Politico "The patent system is broken because I don't understand it and I read an abstract and think they patented everything whaaaaaaaa..." piece of the past 5 years.
The system's much better tuned than that, believe it or not. First, if you hate this patent so much, it's faster and cheaper than ever to invalidate a patent if you're so sure it shouldn't have granted. That doesn't mean it's fast or cheap by the average Target shopper's standards, but if you have a meaningful business interest in the field, you'll be satisfied with your options.
Further, patentability isn't perfection. It's a threshold. If you want perfectly examined patents, you'll wait forever for them, and pay a lot more for them. That would discourage people from utilizing the system and shut out anyone without a ton of funding.
You can see the examination that occurred quite easily with minimal research. The Patent Office has the Patent Application Information Retrieval system. Look it up. You can see everything that went back and forth between the Office and the applicant. I'm not wasting my time unless you want to pay me, but anyone claiming to report on the issue probably should have done that before going off on some NPR-esque screed about OMGEVILPATENT. You can also just look at the cover page of the patent, and see a couple dozen documents that were cited against the application before it issued. Yes, be embarrassed that you didn't.
So what did Google really patent here? Well, you can only enforce the claims. So their first independent claim is for "a computer data center proximate to a body of water comprising a plurality of computing units; a sea-based electrical generator in electrical connection with the plurality of computing units; and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality of computing units." So if you don't have all those things, you're not infringing. Still pretty broad, I'll grant you.
But is that it? Nope. Then you look at the specification, because that's what defines the terms in the claims. So if this is a decently-drafted patent, "computer data center," "sea-based electrical generator," and "sea-water cooling units," maybe some other terms, are very specifically defined to mean specific things. That's why it's not your Russian trawler circa '74. So while you may interpret it loosely to mean what you want it to mean for purposes of drawing some clicks, that's not how patents work.
Now I'm not saying this can't be a poorly-drafted, poorly-examined, or generally low-quality patent. In which case it's pretty easy to invalidate. But again, I'm not wasting my time - that's what the blogger should be doing to have a substantial post. Right now, this smells like BuzzFeed (10 Totally Stupid Google Patents!) and I hate it.
Research and critical objective - not emotional - analysis. It's the difference between the shitheads in MSM/lefty blogosphere and what this site should be.
Posted by: 0302 at October 26, 2013 09:34 AM (hllgx)
Posted by: Carlos Dangerfield at October 26, 2013 10:02 AM (m0le6)
Posted by: Blacksheep at October 26, 2013 10:14 AM (bS6uW)
Blacksheep, I also draft patents -- although not for Google.
Posted by: Carlos Dangerfield at October 26, 2013 11:16 AM (m0le6)
Posted by: Darkmage at October 26, 2013 12:31 PM (CsgCf)
Posted by: rtw at October 26, 2013 01:55 PM (6zfQZ)
Google is doing it.
Posted by: Frank Reality at October 26, 2013 04:12 PM (Bn9It)
Posted by: Wickedpinto at October 26, 2013 06:39 PM (4A6is)
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Posted by: RightWingProf at October 26, 2013 07:16 AM (RtR5I)