> However, one key patent — the "840" patent — is not set to expire until 2033. To stave off potential competitors, it describes the AIM technology very broadly. In a surprise move at February's CPSC hearing, TTS Tooltechnic Systems North America CEO Matt Howard announced that the company would "dedicate the 840 patent to the public" if a new safety standard were adopted. Howard says that this would free up rivals to pursue their own safety devices or simply copy SawStop's. At the hearing, he challenged them "to get in the game."

So there apparently is still a patent in effect. They claim they'll dedicate it to the public, though it's unclear what that means in this case. Maybe they should preemptively do so before any laws are passed, especially if they're pushing for its widespread use anyway.