In fact, it appears they may be granted at a rate exceeding submissions. (But, there is a publication & grant timelag, so it's not as clear as that.) See also:<p>* Article: <a href="http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2010/05/patent-grants-2010.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2010/05/patent-grants-2010.h...</a><p>* Charts (top left): <a href="http://news.priorsmart.com/" rel="nofollow">http://news.priorsmart.com/</a>