You Never Know the Dangers That Stand Ready to Attack Your Shorts

Among the patents issued in 2008 as listed in a recent New York Times magazine were the following:

• The Abnormal Behavior Detector
• A Tortoise Bathing Facility
• A Rodent Euthanasia Machine
• A Windshield Wiper Flag Holder
• A Method and Apparatus for Reducing Risk of a Thrown Toy Injuring an Animal
• Footwear Incorporating a Self-Locking Sock
• Protective Element for Shorts