PatSnap is a new patents search platform created by a startup from MIT.  It makes searching, managing, and analyzing patents, well, a snap.  You can refine your searches by concept, inventor, or where it was issued. PatSnap also makes it easy to view patents bibliography information, legal status, and other information side by side with the actual patent. So here's the catch, right now you can access PatSnap on a trial basis by signing up for a free trial account at: http://www.patsnap.com/signup?type=2. The trial period has been extended for 60 days.  Check it out and find ingenious patents like the kitty treadmill below.  Let us know if you would like the library to consider adding PatSnap to our database collection.

As always, you can use the library's Patents Guide for additional information on patent research.