Boeing gets ‘force-field’ patent

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has approved Boeing’s design for a — wait for it — force field.

That’s right, a force field.

It’s not quite Star Wars-level technology, though. The system is designed to protect vehicles or structures from shockwaves and shrapnel from a nearby explosion, according to news reports.

The shield is actually a pocket of hot air created with lasers, electricity and microwaves, explains Wired.

You can check out the patent application, which was submitted in 2012, here.

I’m not sure how Boeing’s technology compares to the force fields in Star Wars. (Is there an Imperial Patent Office?)

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.

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