Patent rights for infrared held by HomeSafe inspection

[dharris]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by jbraun

That is what basically what I do. Since I have no camera or training, all that I can do is imagine.

Maybe they were imaging things when they went to the flir-bcam vote topic, and got confused since you voted for the fluke.

[pking]

I'd be happy to contribute to a fund, and offer what ever assistance I can. Are we as an association going to take the lead and put an end to this? In all seroiusness if we do not they may try to bilk licensing fees from every home inspector that turns on a HVAC system. Can we set up a group/committee to get the ball rolling?

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by rmaday

Somehow, there are patents on file. not necessarily for what they claim on their website, but patents nonetheless. I believe the first "process' they patented was 2003 or 2005.

I have a patent pending for "process for using smileys on home inspection message boards". Simply forward $.10 every time you use one of these

I'm screwed! ... can I just sign my house over to you?

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by cduphily

I'm screwed! ... can I just sign my house over to you?

Nope, just send $.10 at a time.

[Greg Keene, CPI]

After reading all the posts about this patent (and other comments as well) I have a patent pending for the process of wrapping ones fingers about one's member and rapidly moving it up and down, the result being a pleasurable feeling and release - so when HomeSafe sends a letter to an inspector demanding payment by basically "jerking them off" with a payment demand letter - they will owe me a whole lot of money =
BTW - the rest of you owe me too, not much, but a penny a time will do

[dcook1]

Once the patents were issued, Mr. Lee and Mr. Seddon decided to license the use of these procedures to any home inspector. We firmly believe that most IR home inspectors want to use IR to its fullest capacity and to provide the highest-quality home inspection possible. HomeSafe has developed a license program that is affordable for any home inspector and also offers, but does not require, additional IR and IR/acoustic home inspection training and certification.

It is HomeSafe's intent to work with industry associations, training organizations and other interested parties to help establish industry-wide standards for IR usage in home inspections and to ensure that all home inspectors utilizing IR are properly trained in the most effective methods. However, we recognize that Flir, Fluke, Raytheon and other manufacturers produce high-quality IR cameras, and we would never dispute anyone's right to sell these devices nor to provide IR inspection training. In fact, HomeSafe is already working with or in communication with many of these manufacturers.

Having said that, HomeSafe is required to protect its investment in the patents and will therefore seek to stop all unlicensed usage of our patented processes.

If anyone feels that we have made an error in contacting them about IR usage in home inspections, please don't hesitate to contact us and let us know.

Rick Hynum
--------------------------------------------------------
Rick,
It would be very stupid to think you can patent the use of a camera.
It would also be just as stupid to think anyone would want to use your process and pay you any money.
After reviewing the patent, it appears the patent is for the stupid harness. And I see the solution as one of two options.
1. No self respecting HI would be caught wearing one of these geeky looking harnesses.
2. Pay them the $79 and I think it could be easily modified to accept a jet propulsion system. Now that would be cool. Those handles at the front could be used could tilt it forward and to steer with. (although it looks as if you would need to be careful at first that you do not get the flame to near your frontal areas that need protection)

Really, this company is a sad attempt to get money. or they are just plain stupid. Especially when they are sending notices to people who do not have or use a camera.

[dcook1]

And I patented posting here..... just send cash

[Brian C. Hoagland]

Originally Posted by rhynum

HomeSafe's approved patents are available for public review at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Web site. You may search for them by patent number at http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm. The patent numbers are 7,369,955, 7,445,377, 7,385,483, 7,434,990, 7,271,706 and 7,429,928. Simply enter any one of those numbers in the search field, and you will be taken to the relevant section of the USPTO Web site containing the full text of the approved patents and individual claims.

Additionally, anyone who would like more information is welcome to contact HomeSafe at (866) 327-7233. As communications director, I'm not qualified to discuss all the technical details of the patented procedures or acoustic technologies. I posted my earlier message simply to clarify that HomeSafe does not claim to hold patents on any IR camera or IR technology, only on certain procedures and acoustic technologies.

So if I decide I like your proceedures and methodology I will pay you to advertise I use them and follow your protocols strictly. Until that happens (I have such an agreement) you have no right to restrict or demand payment from the owners of such equipment as is available for their own use within the protocols they have set which may or may not coincide with your own.

[Brian C. Hoagland]

I need to patent the process for checking window screens on a home for functionality. If you guys are currently checking the screens and are checking for holes, tears,bent or damaged frames, wood rot on wood frames, portions of screening loose or detached at frame or if the screen is missing entirely, then you owe me $.01 for every window on every house you inspect from now on. Move over Bill gates and Warren Buffett there is a new dog in town.

[Joe Farsetta]

I call on all purchasers of IR technology and related education to immediately cease any support of these companies or their products. Further, I would explore the possibility of launching class-action lawsuits against the manufacturers and education providers for failing to notify purchasers of their products that a patent issue relating to infringement is active and unresolved.

As an education partner of Kaplan, I wold name HomeSafe in the suit.

The only way to get action is to hold those accountable... accountable.

[James H. Bushart]

Joe....turn your phone on.

[Hubert A. Miles]

I recieved a certified letter from HomeSafe on friday regarding this same issue. I am Infrared Certified and have been using an Flir BCAM for over 2 years now. Their attorney is request a $1000 settlement fee for "past unlicensed usage of infrared in building inspections". I will be seeing a lawyer within the next 2 weeks about this matter.

Their claim is that I am "using our client's infrared and/or our acoustic patents while performing inspections".

As a professional organization, we difinately need to come together to fight this. I would also be willing to participate.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Wow. Almost two years after this thread started these shake down artists are still at it.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by sstanczyk

Wow. Almost two years after this thread started these shake down artists are still at it.

Why not? Nigeria is still at it after how many years? Someone must be taking the bait and paying them off!

[Donald B. Hatfield]

I just recieved a certified letter from HomeSafe today, The letter is dated 2/1/2011. They demand $1,000.00 for "Pre-filing settlement fee for past unlicensed usage of infrared in building inspections." I have 10 pages from them on how I am violating their patents. They clam to have the "exclusive rights to utilize the procedures and equipment" that they have been "developing for more than a decade."
So using the word "infrared" in my website is a "violation under United States Code 35, Section 271" so they say. This came from TANNEHILL & CARMEAN, PLLC/ attorneys and counselors at law.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter?
DBH Home & Property Inspections LLC.
Donald B. Hatfield
http://www.dbhinspect.com/Thermal-Imaging.html