The average age of the top 100 in the world has increased each year since 2012.
Under the law, the income thresholds are increased each year to reflect inflation.
Over all, applications increased each year through the 1990's, reflecting the decade's strong economic growth.
The number of approvals increased each year from 17 in 2009 to 20 in 2012.
Payments to hospitals are increased each year to reflect changes in the cost of the goods and services they use.
The number of uninsured increased each year from 1987 to 1998, even when the economy was booming.
But in 2006, the figure rose anew, to 90.7 million, and has increased each year.
The running costs have increased each year as the department has been forced to redesign the program amid public criticism.
"Since 1982, the number of name changes has increased each year," Mr. Ekengren, the patent office director, said.
Fights, labeled as such when at least one of the players involved receives a five-minute major penalty, have increased each year since the 2004-5 lockout.
The 240 cases involved a roughly equal number of drug and alcohol offenses, although alcohol-related crimes have increased each year since 2004.
