Universal *seems* a little more purposeful in their patents. It at least signifies that something received a significant amount of blue sky work.
As in they don't make a bunch of patents and maybe or maybe not apply a project to it. They usually start with a particular project in mind, go into the development of a ride and then that patent is born out of it. Even if that particular project eventually doesn't happen, like Lorax or the JP mine coaster.
This reminds me of the Gringott's patent/drawings leaking on NYE 2012 from TPI. Fun memories!