Oh crap I used another smiley I think I owe someone some money for that 
Is this topic like ITA going out of business, just another page of the nacho enquire, read by millions, believed by few.:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:
If I recall the author of this topic hears imaginary ashi members discussing how they are going to control the HI profession, and put him out of business. :twisted:
Carl, too many smileys will earn you an infraction. -X
Cha-ching!
:mrgreen:
Oh $hit. I went to a HI seminar and while there looked at Thermal Imaging Cameras. I also walked around the building trying out the IR cameras.
One of the distributors lent me one of his demo units for 3 days and while inspecting a house, I used the IR. If I read this post right I’m now licensed and owe fees OR something similar.
Not to be rude, but in this poor economy I think I would almost welcome some bottom feeder approaching me with this type of scam OR demand letter. Especially if they had any corporate assets to get. I believe I could find a contingency attorney in my area that could help me find $$$$$$ relief from the chest pains, impotency, migraines, stress, etc, etc I’ve suffered since being approached by Scumdog Inc.
Had to much cat nip, Dan? The day an ASHI member puts me out of business is the day that ASHI gets some ethics. And like that is going ever happen. How about you go sniff yourself and pass out. :twisted:
Ha ha good one Mr Braun
Somebody please e-mail these guys and ask how much they want.
See #1 or attachments on #35 posts.
I just patented the process of walking, blinking, and chewing gum at the same time.
I remember speaking with Mr. Lee some time ago with regard to whether they wanted their inspectors to receive state-approved training while I was in Tennessee. I am approved in Tennessee and Mississippi. Should I say, I was SUPPOSED to hear from him. Never did, and I do not believe Homesafe inspectors attended.
As to Homesafe’s patented “process”, I will look into it. The patent can, most likely, be challenged and overturned. This is especially true when orgs such as ASTM, ANSI, and ISO are involved.
When I teach our introduction to infrared thermography course, I actually use the Homesafe picture wherein the caption states “see through walls”. This is EXACTLY the problem with marketing hype screwing with realities of proven technology. I use it as an example of how NOT to advertise.
I’d characterize their claim (ad) as false advertising.
I have just read the patent regarding HomeSafe and one of their patented processes. As one who has actually written patents which have also been approved by the USPTO, I am actually shocked that this oparticular patent was approved. One of the things which will prohibit approval of a patent is if its claims are “obvious”. I believe a majority of the patent process I read is just that.
Three things that stood out were 1) the references to ISO and ASTM standards, 2) an apparatus for holding the camers in a safe manner (duh) like a camers harness or strap, and 3) creating a temperature differential between inside and outside air by activating the home’s heating or cooling system and allowing them to run for a while.
What a hoot…
Inspectors and thermographers should start writing letters to the USPTO over Patent #7,445,377.
Additionally, this patent could potentially bridge over to using the process of turning on the heat or AC to detect if these systems are working. After all, the way to know if the heat works immediately is to walk into a warm house from the cold outside. A temperature differential needs to exist for such an observation to be made… right?
Perhaps a patent is needed for the proper procedure for wiping one’s ***** for the lefty, righty, and ambidexterous. The process should always start by turning the light on, ensuring that a window or exhaust fan operates, test flushing the toilet, and ensuring that toilet paper is present and in adequate supply. A working sink with soap and drying mechanism should also be present.:shock:
Hey guys, I just detected Termites in a wall with my IR camera…
If HomeSafe has a problem with my findings and they want their IR Termite finding patent fees, they can contact me.
What a freakin joke!
That’s Muti tasking looks like you will not get any money out of me.:mrgreen:
Regards
Gerry
As the largest HI Association, I believe it would be in our best interests is we took this up as a project. Absent of a challenge, the patents remain in effect. Frankly, each one of them stinks to high heavens. The potential harm to HIs using this technology is obvious. This particular patent was filed for back in 2003, before the explosion in IR use.
They must be challenged and defeated, IMO. We may also need to team with ISO, ASTM, and ANSI.
HomeSafe is targeting inspectors. Funny, as we are the ones absent of $$$ needed to defend ourselved individually in court. They know precisely where the soft spoots are. We can start with letters to the USPTO, followed by NACHI retaining a patent attorney for the actual challenge.
Regards
Gerry
Gerry and Joe,
I believe you are absolutely correct. This is an obvious use of a technology, a testing tool much like a multimeter, combustible gas detector, or moisture meter. But they did get the patent approved so we need to fight it as a group. I think it is very appropriate to get those organizations involve as well as some of the camera manufacturers who have been marketing to inspectors for some time.
I think Homesafe is absolutely planning to target individuals that they believe cannot fight back and will pay the licensing fee rather than risk losing money they cannot afford.
Already has happened. That’s why this thread got started.
bump…
Any updates? Other instances?
Due to the seriousness of the threat of the lawsuit, I have suspended all inspection activities within my business. I have had to change my business plan to contract out my customer relation services department, to the local Wal-Mart. “Would you like a cart, Sir?” - “Stop right there, is that a return Ma’am?”
I will be taking my corporate jet to DC, for my hearing in a possible bailout.
Yea, I put my IR Termite inspections on hold at the moment. I’m waiting for their approval of my techniques to perform these type of inspections.
I’m hoping they will wave the royalty fees.