We are soon going to need a 2nd powerhead for our 90 gal tank and my wife insists on keeping the electrical cord out of the tank so that implies a $360 Vortech MP40 as opposed to a much less expensive option. I started doing some research on the applicable Vortech patents and it looks like they have the technology/design locked down for many years.
Latest powerhead patents
Aug 27 2013 - https://patents.justia.com/patent/9551343
Sept 15 2015 - https://patents.justia.com/patent/9534602
These patents are extensions of patents that date back to 2006: https://patents.justia.com/patent/7393188
Since the patent period in USA is 20 years it looks like it will be at least until 2026 when someone can sell an alternative. Unless someone wants to license the patents which I'm sure Ecotech would make financially painful. And good for Ecotech.
Just rambling....
Latest powerhead patents
Aug 27 2013 - https://patents.justia.com/patent/9551343
Sept 15 2015 - https://patents.justia.com/patent/9534602
These patents are extensions of patents that date back to 2006: https://patents.justia.com/patent/7393188
Since the patent period in USA is 20 years it looks like it will be at least until 2026 when someone can sell an alternative. Unless someone wants to license the patents which I'm sure Ecotech would make financially painful. And good for Ecotech.
Just rambling....