Web site that automates patent searches

[3dcgi]

I know a few people here monitor patent applications so I thought I'd post about a web site I just read about.

From Lockergnome.com

FreshPatents.com displays the latest published US patent applications each week BEFORE the USPTO decision to grant/deny. Free innovative services like keyword monitoring, RSS feeds and browse by location. Learn about new ideas for free. New applications are published Monday. Dates listed are for the previous Thursday’s official USPTO publication date.

http://www.freshpatents.com

I haven't actually tried the service myself.

 

[horvendile]

Speaking of which.
I am investigating - privately - a site that I am positive sells pseudoscientific junk. The owner claims to hold patents (in USA) but refuses to give out patent numbers. It would surprise me very much if he told the truth on this. Do any of you patent diggers know if and how it is possible to do a name search on US patents? Name of the patent holder, that is.
It might be simple, but I don't know where to start.

Edit: Uh... does this count as hijacking? In that case, sorry

 

[horvendile]

Uh, never mind, I suppose. I found the homepage of the US Patent & Trademark Office. I fancy that if I can't find it there, it does not exist.