7

Many of the patents from the 1990s forward have been translated by

computer. The Japan Patent Office clearly states that it is “not responsible

for any damages caused by the use of this translation.” They are generally

divided into “Problem to be solved” and “Solution”. We found “a problem to

be solved” in Takano Tomio’s Patent Application for a “Corkscrew

Removing Device” to be quite fascinating:

“To provide a practical and remarkable cork removing device with

which even a tightly pressure-fitted cork can be more easily drawn out

than conventional, thus even a person with weak force can draw out

the cork, the cork can be removed unless a bottle is pinched between

legs, and even a weak woman for example can easily draw out the

cork.”

Takano Tomio’s patent was issued October 21, 2003. Here is one of his

drawings:

In the year 2000, the Japan Patent Office adopted the Western system for

patents with the first four digits of the patent number being the Western

year. For example, Takano Tomio’s patent number is 2003-300595