Tuesday
Sep022008
Microsoft Wonder Bra?
Google has released a beta of their new browser, dubbed Chrome, which is based in part on technology resulting from their GreenBorder acquisition in May 2007. Just prior to that acquisition, GreenBorder was awarded a patent for "Methods and systems for providing a secure application environment using derived user accounts" (technology presumably incorporated in Chrome). While the invention was consigned to GreenBorder (and thus acquired by Google), the listed inventor was Ulfar Erlingsson. It turns out Ulfar also has a patent application consigned to Microsoft. Titled "System and methods for an overlay disk and cache using portable flash memory", the patent application contains the following, rather surprising (and amusing), abstract:
A lifting and shaping system for a bra is disclosed. The system uses lift platforms shaped to fit into the cups of the bra and formed from thin material such as plastic. The lift platforms are attached to the bra toward the center of the bra. Connectors having one end attached to the lift platform and the other end attached to a slide on the shoulder strap adjust the lift of the lift platform when the slide is moved. Flexible shaping members distribute the lift of the lift platforms and maintain the natural shape of the breasts as they are lifted. Smoothing shields ease the movement of the lift platforms and connectors within the cloth confines of the breast cups. The flexible shaping members may also perform some of the functions of a smoothing shield.Obviously an error, but introduced by whom?

Mary Landesman
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