Electromagnetic vehicle link, Continental Automotive GmbH

This patent describes a method and device for linking two vehicles via electromagnetic signals. It is intended for use by a car and its trailer, allowing them to exchange relevant data. 

Its applications could include operating indicators, brake lights or brakes themselves. Provisions are made for setting up a connection when similar systems are operating close by. Each system has its own signal pattern that will be recognised by the vehicle being linked.

Mars Rover, California Institute of Technology

The Curiosity Rover, currently exploring the surface of Mars, is a car sized vehicle launched by NASA on 26th Nov 2011. After a more than 8 month journey it touched down on 6th Aug 2012 and began its mission of investigating the climate, geology and water reserves of Mars, as well as the possibility it could have ever supported life. 

The rover is powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to generate electricity and heat. 

For a look at the rover's hair-raising approach and landing on Mars check out this video from NASA: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146903741

V-Hull Geometry for Blast Mitigation, Lockheed Martin Corp.

Approved on Dec 25th 2012, this design aims to increase the survivability of vehicle based crew members during a mine or IED blast event.

This is achieved in two ways. First, the 'v-shaped' hull allows gaseous venting, reducing the pressure wave impacting on the hull.

Secondly, the framework of the hull is designed to collapse under the large forces that are present in an explosion, absorbing the force in much the same way as the crumple zone in a car bonnet.

Beer Keg, Heineken

Sticking with the food and beverage theme, this patent filed by Heineken's supply chain division in April 2011 describes the design of their new retail keg. 

It has undergone significant changes from the current version below, with a more streamlined, pressure vessel -like body and sturdier handle.

From these pictures it does not look as stack-able as the current version but Heineken (especially the supply chain division) will have surely thought of that!

Licorice Cutter, Hershey Foods Corp.

This post looks at an older patent, awarded to Hershey Foods Corp on July 8th 1986. It describes a device to cut long strips of licorice into 1-inch bite sized pieces.

Fig. 1 gives a bird's eye view of the device, with long strips of licorice (20) entering the device from the left. They pass between the two rollers seen in Fig. 2.

The upper roller is fitted with blades that cut the licorice as it passes through. The pieces are then ejected by rods (50) actuated by a cam (62).

This clever invention makes use of the way blades mounted on a cylinder have a widening gap as radius increases to allow the licorice pieces to be pushed out easily. Yum.

Glass Staircase, Apple Inc.

Another patent from Steve Jobs and Apple, but not one you would expect. It covers a glass staircase for use in Apple's retail stores. 

Jobs' aim in designing this staircase was to encourage shoppers to explore the upper floors of Apple's stores. Both the steps and supporting structure are made from glass, with steel handrails added to combat the feeling of 'levitation' as they are climbed. 

Jobs' strengths as an industrial designer and shrewd businessman come together in this design, along with his drive for perfection in the smallest details of his company.

Device with Transparent Display, Nokia Corp.

This interesting device from Nokia incorporates a 'housing frame, a transparent display and a movable element'. It was submitted in Oct 2009 and approved in January this year.

The movable element houses a keyboard and can be folded behind the transparent screen (figs 1 and 3) or below the screen (fig 2).

Nokia list several benefits of this design, including improved form factor when compared to other transparent screen devices, improved performance in bright light and the ability to use the folding keyboard as a stand.

An interesting application of this design could be the use of the transparent screen as a viewfinder when using the camera.