Ooooooh, the possibilities

[kickaha]

<mad_scientist>
So, seeing that now protonium is not only verified, but producible in non-trivial amounts, and given that protonium atoms are bosons of zero charge...

Protonium Bose-Einstein condensate, anyone? Might be an interesting way to keep the matter/anti-matter from annihilating, at macroscopic quantities, by keeping it in a single superpositional state.

Oops, I just invented the antimatter bomb. So sorry.
</mad_scientist>

Comments

[georgmi.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, you need a working device in order to get a patent.

[kimokeane.livejournal.com]

Not true for a long time - see 35 USC 114 "Models, specimens" including "The Director may require the applicant to furnish a model of convenient size to exhibit advantageously the several parts of his invention."

This rule was implemented in 37 CFR 1.91:
(a) A model or exhibit will not be admitted as part of the record of an application unless it:

(1) Substantially conforms to the requirements of § 1.52 or § 1.84;

(2) Is specifically required by the Office; or

(3) Is filed with a petition under this section including:

(i) The fee set forth in § 1.17(h); and

(ii) An explanation of why entry of the model or exhibit in the file record is necessary to demonstrate patentability.

[georgmi.livejournal.com]

And _that_ is what I get for reading the FAQs on the Patent Office Web site instead of doing real research.

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#whatpat