U.S. PATENT #8,614,631:
Flood data collection and warning mechanism 

THINK OF IT AS…Your personal floodwater alarm.  We’ve all seen in the news just how quickly floodwaters can rise without warning. Scary stuff. Especially for people who aren’t glued to the TV or radio to know when it’s time to pack up and get the heck outta Dodge. This patented free-standing water gauge has changed all that. It measures water levels and notifies those in danger with a phone call, SMS or email with instructions to high tail it before the waters rise to dangerous levels. Don’t forget to grab your hat and sunnies.

Another patent from our 21st year of record-breaking innovation.

10 years ago

U.S. PATENT #8,610,295:
Reclaiming energy from waste water in tall buildings

THINK OF IT AS…Bath water-generated hydroelectricity. This system uses gravity to make electricity from rainwater, grey water and black water as it exits tall buildings. With every flush or turn of a faucet, water rushes down into a turbine, generating power and making you rethink your next goldfish funeral.

Another patent from our 21st year of record-breaking innovation.

10 years ago

U.S. PATENT #8,538,667
Evaluating road conditions using a mobile device

THINK OF IT AS…A way to give our roadways instant health check-ups. Using vibration patterns from mobile sensors, it will advise the likes of city planners, carmakers and fellow drivers on real-time driving conditions.

Another patent from our 21st year of record-breaking innovation.

10 years ago

U.S. PATENT #8,547,214:
System for  preventing handheld device use while operating a vehicle

THINK OF IT AS…A mobile phone forcefield for textaholics.  This innovation can analyze your fingerprints, voice patterns, retina images, heartbeat and more—to prevent you from using a handheld device while operating a vehicle. So less attention on your phone and more on that moose that just stepped out in front of you…

Another patent from our 21st year of record-breaking innovation.

10 years ago

U.S. PATENT #8,138,882:
Securing premises using surfaced-based computing technology

THINK OF IT AS…Wall-to-wall security. This flooring innovation uses sensors to identify the shape and weight of those who enter a building, or even a kitchen. Now we’ll know who stole the cookies from the cookie jar.

Another patent from our 21st year of record-breaking innovation.

10 years ago

21 and counting. The annual patent dial just ticked over, and once again our researchers have earned top honors for the most patents awarded. 6,809 in 2013 to be exact. This year’s massive output of IBMer ingenuity ranges from greener clouds and biometric wallets to brain-like computer chips and holographic interfaces. So stick around as we dip a toe into this huge, new innovation pool in the coming weeks and months.

10 years ago

Get your next creation going with our growing list of IBMer Inventor Tips →

Happy National Inventors Day!  

10 years ago