Q: How can you find out if a patent is being used?

A: To determine if a specific patent is being used, you can follow these steps:

1. Search for the patent: Use the inventor's name (Louis E Swinney) and the patent numbers (if known) to search for the patents on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website or Google Patents.

2. Check the patent status: Verify if the patents are still active or have expired. Patents generally expire 20 years from the filing date.

3. Search for products or services: Look for products or services that might be using the technology described in the patents. This can be done through online searches, industry publications, or company websites.

4. Check for licensing agreements: Some companies may have licensed the technology from the patent holder. You can search for press releases, news articles, or public financial reports that mention licensing agreements involving the patents.

5. Contact the inventor or patent assignee: If the inventor is not the current patent holder, the patents may have been assigned to a company or individual. You can contact them to inquire about the use of the patented technology.

6. Consult with a patent attorney: If you need a more thorough analysis or legal advice, consider consulting with a patent attorney who can help you navigate the process of determining if a patent is being used.

Keep in mind that it can be challenging to determine if a patent is being used, as not all uses are public knowledge. Additionally, some companies may use patented technology without proper licensing, which is known as patent infringement.