None is apparent unless they have heretofore filed

None is apparent unless they have heretofore filed a provisional patent application which is inexpensive, uses a simple form, and protects the inventor for a one year term after which term the far more detailed (and expensive) non-provisional application is due. Then comes the USPTO examination (which can be lengthy with lots of back of forth) after which the patent is granted or denied. Patents are good for 20 years from the date of the application. Provisional utility patent applications are not published. GW has filed a non-provisional utility patent application. The BB process is proprietary. A patent application must describe the process.