I have recently been involved in applying for some new patents and it jogged my memory to again check on some of my old patent applications filed in the year 2000. 

I was disappointed to find out that the patents are still pending. :-(   I check on these patent applications a couple of times a year hoping to see that they have been granted (or at least processed in some way).  Each time I check, more time has gone by and I feel that resolution must be nearing. 

Alas, I spoke to a colleague today and he informed me that he received a patent this summer for a patent application he made 1997 (7 years later).  My hopes of some seeing some resolution on my 4 year old patent applications were dashed. 

I apparently require much more patience.  This has never been my strong suit. :-(

Howitzer