Inventors Association of New England IANE

Next IANE meeting Jan 14, 2008

2007-12-30T00:08:00.000-05:00

January 14, 2008:
SPEAKER/TOPIC: Ellen Cameron, a Registered Nurse and stay at home mom who invented, patented, and commercialized "Tidy Tot",

http:/www.tidy-tots.com;

protective covers for restaurant high chairs. She has since expanded her product line and now has suppliers in several states.

Join Inventors Association of New England IANE

2007-03-21T01:38:00.000-04:00

Join the Inventors Association of New England!

Members get to join a members only googlegroup and get to be the first to get the latest inventing news and events and convention information.

Members get a monthly newsletter and the password to the members only website (with member profiles) where you have access to the following:

Alphabetical Listing of our Members - Who are you looking for? Know their name? Look them up or just browse our members.
Cross Referencing Page - Are you looking for a patent agent? a mechanical engineer? a rocket scientist? Looking for someone to collaborate with you on an invention in a certain expertise? Look up a 3-D printer or just browse around at the different categories to see a diverse group of people with lots of knowledge.
Picture Database - Just who was it you were talking to at the last meeting? Don't remember but know the face? Find them here.
Help Needed by Members Page - Do you want to help your fellow inventors? Do YOU need help with something? Start the ball rolling by giving or receiving information, knowledge and expertise.
Newsletters - Do you want to read past newsletters and meeting notes? We have them for over the last 10 years!
Online Survey - Have you filled out your Member Profile Questionnaire? You may have lots to offer your inventing colleagues. This feature is available to current members only.
Self Promotion Page - List of members and businesses who would like to promote their services to inventors. This page is accessible to all without a password.

The cost is $40 a year and that goes for administrative stuff like paper, postage, website hosting fees, etc. If you want to join, click here:
http://inventne.com/papersurvey.htm

If you would rather not join, feel free to keep in touch by going to our public website: www.inventne.org
and our blog http://inventne.blogspot.com
and the link to our past speakers http://inventne.com/speakers.htm

Mothers of Invention Contest ending March 24th

2007-03-21T01:37:00.000-04:00

In partnership with Mom Inventors, Inc, Good Morning America launched its 3rd annual Mothers of Invention Contest. Entries must be postmarked by March 24th. For details see this website:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2863929&page=1

SBTV Small Business TV airing 24/7

2007-03-21T01:36:00.000-04:00

This information was sent from Mom Inventor's Inc (http://www.mominventors.com/)newsletter:

SBTV is a "business magazine turned into a TV news network airing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now imagine content that’s wholly focused on issues concerning small businesses – both start-ups and established enterprises."

http://sbtv.com/

"Founded in 2000, SBTV.com is the first and only video news and information destination site for America’s small business market. Packed with expertly produced content from professional journalists and industry experts, the site offers everything from technical information on how to run your business to inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs across the U.S.
Best of all? It’s available via your computer at no charge– perfect for your busy life and your budget.
The network was founded by Susan Wilson Solovic, a former news anchor, corporate VP and Saint Louis University Law School graduate. She is the author of multiple books, including The Girls' Guide to Power and Success and the soon to be released Girls’ Guide to Building a Million $ Business. She has served on the National Women's Business Council, which counsels the President, Congress and the SBA on issues impacting women business owners.
“At SBTV.com, our goal is to provide exclusive programming from trusted small business experts to help our viewers turn their business dreams into reality,” explains Solovic.
She cites programming from E-Myth Theory author Michael Gerber as one example. His SBTV.com program, “In the Dreaming Room,” helps entrepreneurs engage in “intentional dreaming” to unleash the powers within.
Susan’s philosophy is that being an entrepreneur is a way of living - not just a way of making a living.
“There has never been a better time to be a woman business owner,” Solovic observed. “Women are finding opportunities to create businesses that fit the nuances of their lives and at the same time build economic independence. They are building enterprises that are changing the way the world does business – for the better." "

FAO Schwartz Toy Auditions

2007-03-21T01:32:00.000-04:00

FAO Schwarz launched their 3rd Annual Auditions for Innovative Toys, Crafts and Interesting Products on March 8, 2007.

Subsequent auditions will be May 10, July 12 and September 20, 2007.
FAO Schwarz is seeking new original products through a series of Toy Auditions. The Toy Auditions are an opportunity for inventors, manufacturers and distributors to present their products for evaluation to a team of experts. The presentations must be no longer than ten minutes and all products will be judged on quality, design, originality, fun, safety/health issues and environmental Impact.

The chosen products will be carried in FAO Schwarz stores with additional sales opportunities via the catalog and web site.

All applicants must register on-line at www.fao.com prior to the Toy Auditions. Please note that ALL toys presented must be "sales ready" products. Only on the July 12th auditions will early development stage concepts be viewed. Auditions are scheduled on May 10, July 12 and September 20, 2007 at the FAO Schwarz store located on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in New York City.

Inventors with specific questions can visit www.fao.com or email toyauditions@fao.com or call 212-239-7363 ext 242.

Oprah & QVC are Looking for Inventions!

2007-03-21T01:29:00.000-04:00

Oprah & QVC Have Teamed Up And They are Looking for Inventions!

Do you have an original product or invention you want the world to know about? You could be sitting on a gold mine! The Oprah Winfrey Show is teaming up with QVC for Oprah's Search for the Next Big Idea.

For details, visit the link below

http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm

Henkel launches global competition for new ideas - ends Apr 15

2007-03-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

News from United Inventors Association News Bulletin

"Henkel launches global competition for new ideas
'Henkel Innovation Trophy' - a test for creative minds!

Henkel, the maker of well-known brands like Dial®, Loctite®, Purex®, Dep®, and Duck® brand, recently launched the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' competition. In instituting this new, global innovation initiative, Henkel invites all independent inventors to submit their creative ideas for an opportunity to be reviewed and evaluated by Henkel. The objective is to add further impetus to Henkel's own innovation efforts. The awards for the winners include attractive cash prizes plus the chance to join Henkel in the commercialization of the associated proprietary rights. In the course of the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' campaign, Henkel also intends to cooperate closely with national and international inventor associations.

Throughout Henkel's 130-year history, innovations have constantly provided the power driving the company forward. Now more than ever, they are key to securing ongoing and future market success. Indeed, last year Henkel declared 2006 to be its "Year of Innovation" and will continue the program into 2007 with a view to involving all its employees throughout the world in the conception of new products.

In the desire for unique ideas and their further development into true product innovations, Henkel has long collaborated with external partners such as renowned research institutes, universities and similar organizations, as well as utilizing the extensive expertise available from its own research and development activities. Now, through the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy,' Henkel also looks forward for the first time to systematically engage with creative talents outside the company so that, through effective collaboration, new products can be introduced into the market in a faster, more effective and more efficient manner.

This initiative is aimed at independent inventors wishing to submit ideas that are the subject of published patent applications or patents already granted relating to appropriate products and processes. The company is also interested in ideas that may be the subject of registered designs, utility models or associated applications pending. The concepts need to offer a good fit with the portfolios of Henkel's four business sectors: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries, Consumer and Craftsmen Adhesives, and Henkel Technologies (adhesives, sealants, and surface treatments).

Registration is simple: applicants can complete an online form at the Henkel website www.innovation.henkel.com or www.dialcorp.com. Each submitted idea will be carefully examined by a specially convened committee comprised of internal and external experts to determine the extent to which it suits the Henkel business mix, how innovative it is and what sort of market potential it offers.

Henkel will award the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' together with an attractive cash prize for the best ideas received. There is even a possibility that the winners will also be offered the unique chance to enter into an agreement with Henkel covering commercialization of the associated proprietary rights.

As part of the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' campaign, Henkel will also be cooperating closely with national and international inventor associations such as the 'Deutscher Erfinderverband' (DEV) and the 'United Inventors Association' (UIA) in the USA. The submission period for the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' began on December 15, 2006 and ends on April 15, 2007.

For Complete Details go to:

http://www.dialcorp.com/index.cfm?page_id=393"

IANE speaker for Monday March 12

2007-03-09T18:34:00.000-05:00

The featured speaker on March 12, 2007 will be independent inventor Dave Hoch, a full time inventor/entrepreneur, who has started and sold several companies he has built around his products. The topic is Hokey Spokes, illuminating light blades that display designs and messages on bicycle wheels at night. See the video at http://www.hokeyspokes.com. Dave will also talk about a new "low-tech" product of his - Growing Grids, a home gardening aid. He will discuss the whole process from concept to patenting, manufacturing in the US and in Asia, marketing using trade shows and the internet, and distribution.

Meetings are held at M.I.T. Bldg.# 4,
Room 231
at 77 Mass Ave,
Cambridge, MA

MEETING HOT-LINE: 781-229-6614

Inventor's Spotlight featured at National Hardware Show May 8-10

2007-03-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

UNITED INVENTORS ASSOCIATION
Partners With
NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW®

INNOVATION, INVENTION AND IMAGINATION
TO BE FEATURED AT 2007 NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW® INVENTOR’S SPOTLIGHT

"[T]his year’s National Hardware Show®, May 8-10, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida where the debut of the Inventor’s Spotlight will take place.

The United Inventors Association, a non- profit group serving the Inventor community since 1990 (http://www.uiausa.org) has agreed to sponsor the Inventor’s Spotlight. Hundreds of thousands of new products will be on display from virtually every product category that retailers in the home enhancement channel are selling. The Inventor’s Spotlight, “the better mousetrap” if you will, focuses on those products that bring an innovative, never-before-seen approach for today’s homeowner. From current and former contractors, inventors and plain old every-day people, the Inventor’s Spotlight will provide a focus area on the show floor for small, entrepreneurs looking to bring their products to market for manufacturing opportunities and retail distribution. To date, several companies have already signed up for the Inventor’s Spotlight. "

Inventing Course Announcement

2007-03-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

INVENTING COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT!!

OK, so you have a good idea..Now what???

Learn about the inventing and patenting process. Learn the basics ofprotecting your ideas with patents, copyrights and trademarks and more!! IANE MEMBER JOSEPH R. BIRKNER, M.E. REGISTERED PATENT AGENT will beoffering a one day course on APRIL 5, 2007 (THURSDAY) Titled: "How toProtect Your Ideas". The course has been running for over 15 years.
For more information click here: HOW TO PROTECT YOURIDEAS COURSE http://www.inventne.org/course.html

Patent process goes high-tech

2007-03-07T15:31:00.000-05:00

Patent process goes high-tech
By Staff
Mar 5, 2007
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_21267500.shtml

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is going to try to findout if the Internet can help it do a better job reviewing patentapplications. Under a pilot project to begin this spring, theoffice will post applications and seek public comment, theWashington Post said Monday. The commentary cream theoreticallywill rise to the top through a community rating system. "Forthe first time in history, it allows the patent-office examinersto open up their cubicles and get access to a whole world oftechnical experts," said IBM executive David J. Kappos. The genesis of the project was a meeting between IBM, the nation'stop patent generator, and Beth Noveck, a New York Law Schoolprofessor who said it will trigger "the first major change toour patent examination system since the 19th century." A record332,000 applications were reviewed last year by the agency's4,000 examiners, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Patent Officespokeswoman Brigid Quinn said the program will kick off withabout 250 applications from the software sector. The reviewvolunteers already include Microsoft, Intel, Hewlett-Packard,Oracle and IBM. Additional applicants will be allowed.

Everyday Edisons DC Casting Call for Inventors

2007-01-09T17:38:00.000-05:00

Washington, D.C.
In Search of the Next Edison

NEW PBS SERIES SEARCHING FOR ORDINARY
PEOPLE WITH EXTRAORDINARY IDEAS -- For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We all have an idea for a better mousetrap – for a way of making things easier, more efficient – or even just more fun. But rarely does anyone understand how to transform an innovative idea into a product sold on store shelves.

Bouncing Brain Productions is coming to Washington , D.C. , to give the region’s residents the opportunity to do just that – to transform their ideas into real, marketable products through its new public television series, Everyday Edisons .

Washington, D.C. will host the show’s only casting call in the northeast region. Participants simply bring their prototype, sketch or concept to the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center ( 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. ) on Saturday, January 20. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and those who arrive by 1 p.m. will be guaranteed an interview before a panel of judges. Auditions are free to the public and registration forms are available at the Reagan Building the day of the event, or at www.BouncingBrainProductions.com.

To educate America about what it truly takes to bring a product to market, the show follows ten ordinary people – “Everyday Edisons” – as their ideas are refined, produced, marketed and sold. Participants are selected through a casting call process where they present their ideas before a panel of product development experts and patent professionals.

“Everyone either has had an idea for a new product or knows someone who has invented something,” said Michael Cable, host of Everyday Edisons. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to have a great idea. This is a tremendous opportunity for everyday individuals to see their ideas become reality.”

The show takes its name after Thomas Edison, the greatest inventor of all time. With more than 1,000 patents to his credit, Edison invented such useful items as the phonograph, incandescent light bulb and the first talking moving picture. All this, and Edison was an “Average Joe” himself, having almost no formal education.

“Having a great idea and making money from a great idea are two distinct events.” said Louis Foreman, Everyday Edisons executive producer and lead judge. “If you can dream it, we can help make it come true.”

Inventors who are chosen for the show will have their ideas commercialized, and in return receive a 20-year annuity on product sales. There is no cost to the inventor, and the show invests nearly $500,000 per product chosen.

The first season premieres this May on PBS, and follows the development of inventions chosen from last year’s casting calls in Tampa , Columbia , S.C. , Nashville , Atlanta and Charlotte .

For more information about the audition and television show, please visit www.EverydayEdisons.com or www.BouncingBrainProductions.com.

Invent-A-Toy World Games

2007-01-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

3rd Annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games Challenges America’s Kids to Invent the Toys and Games They Really Want

STAMFORD, CT - January 3, 2007 -
By Kids For Kids Co.(BKFK) and Mattel (NYSE:MAT) today announced the 3rd annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games national competition. The competition aims to spark the creative and imaginative spirit of America’s kids, and to discover the blockbuster toys and games of tomorrow.

All kids have dreams. Now comes an opportunity for kids to actually materialize their dreams of fun new toys and games into real, commercially available products for other kids. With all the frenzy of toy giving over the holiday season, By Kids For Kids and Mattel are asking kids, “what is missing?” The 3rd annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games competition could bring out future “must-have” toys.

Interested kids ages 5 through 19 must submit their entries to www.bkfk.com no later than April 6, 2007. No entry fee is required. A panel of industry and academic experts in patenting, marketing, licensing and merchandising will evaluate the submissions, judged according to the following criteria: Marketability & Market Potential – 90% and Originality & Inventiveness – 10%.

Winners will be awarded a licensing contract from BKFK, legal support to patent the invention in the winner’s name (if patentable), professional expertise to bring the product to market, and a $5,000 US savings bond. Winners will be announced during an exclusive awards ceremony and press conference in June 2007, co-located at the International Licensing Show in New York City. Each winning kid plus one guardian will receive an all expenses paid trip to New York to attend the awards ceremony. Additionally, each winner will have the opportunity to identify an inspirational or supportive teacher, and that teacher will receive a $1,000 US savings bond.
For both the winners and participants, this exciting competition can be a life changing experience. Jonathan Schwartz, a high school teacher from Colfax, CA. and father of 2006 national winner Jacob Schwartz, commented: “I believe it was one of the most pivotal experiences in Jacob's life. Now when something does not work right, he looks for a solution rather than a problem. He and his younger brother say ‘why don't we invent something to fix this?’”

“It’s always exciting for us to see what kids come up with,” said By Kids For Kids Founder and CEO, Norman Goldstein. “Participation in the ‘Invent-A-Toy’ competition builds self esteem and develops vital 21st century ‘inventive thinking’ and entrepreneurship skills.”
“Mattel spends more time than any other company talking to kids, and we never cease to be amazed by their creativity, imagination and insight. We are pleased to be a partner of By Kids for Kids with its ability to help kids with a great game and/or toy concept bring it that much closer to reality,” said Paul Fish, vice president of business development, Mattel.
About By Kids For Kids Co.

By Kids For Kids., a closely held corporation based in Stamford, Conn., is the leading global marketing, branding and licensing company dedicated to making kids' ideas a reality. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and stimulate the innovative spirit within all kids. In addition to providing free support and educational resources to the world's children, BKFK provides entrepreneurial experiences for young inventors and supports the entire ideation through commercialization process. Learn more: www.bkfk.com

About Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than the 30,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

Press Contacts:

For By Kids For Kids: Mary Aloe +1 (310) 466-8777 or media@bkfk.com

For Mattel: Sara Rosales +1 (310) 252-5397

Trade Shows Trade Shows

2007-01-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

How do you find a trade show to feature and display your invention?
You can select by industry, city and country or time.
There are over 190 industries to choose from.

TSNN the Ultimate Event Resource
http://www.tsnn.com/

Big Idea Group Hunt - Cordless Phone Improvements ends Jan 9th

2007-01-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

*HUNT FOR CORDLESS PHONE IMPROVEMENTS

Thomson is seeking innovations in cordless residential phones. They're looking for new features, functionality, even technologies to address "pain points" for current cordless phone users. Deadline is January 9, 2007. For guidelines and entry form, click here.

Big Idea Hunt for Cordless Phone Improvements

2006-12-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

*HUNT FOR CORDLESS PHONE IMPROVEMENTS

Thomson is seeking innovations in cordless residential phones. They're looking for new features, functionality, even technologies to address "pain points" for current cordless phone users.

Deadline is January 9, 2007.

For guidelines and entry form, click here.

\http://www.bigideahunts.net/thomson.html

Last week's Wall St Journal Article

2006-11-20T01:23:00.000-05:00

Pen Maker Struggles
With Too Much Demand
By GWENDOLYN BOUNDS
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal.
From The Wall Street Journal Online

What happens when Walmart calls with a huge order for your product and you are a 5 person operation? Read the story at:

http://www.startupjournal.com/columnists/enterprise/20061114-bounds.html

Design News article from Oct 23

2006-11-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to the article in October 23rd's edition of Design News
by Joseph Ogando, Senior Editor
These Toy Engineers Don't Play Around

http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6381369.html

"Creata, the biggest toy maker you've never heard of . . . designs about 1,500 distinct products every year. It then manufactures and distributes those products for an annual production volume of more than 1 billion units per year."

Big Idea Group Hunts

2006-11-14T07:23:00.000-05:00

The Big Idea Group is sponsoring 2 more hunts

The A.M. Commuter Beverage Hunt
"One of the country’s largest food and beverage company has enlisted BIG’s Food Inventors Network to generate ideas for innovative commuter breakfast beverages. Specifically, they’re seeking drinks that will appeal to men 20 and older who commute. This new breakfast-on-the-go should be tasty, nutritious, and easy to consume during the average commute. The drink could be an extension of one of our client’s existing brands or, more likely, a new product line. In addition to seeking the product, they want your thoughts on packaging, marketing, and distribution. Best ideas will be considered for licensing, and the top 30 ideas will receive prizes. Deadline for this Hunt is December 13th."

Background on Client and Project Background- http://www.bigideahunts.net/amcommuterbevhunt.html#1
Invention Guidelines - http://www.bigideahunts.net/amcommuterbevhunt.html#3
Submission Guide - http://www.bigideahunts.net/amcommuterbevhunt.html#sub3
Entry Agreement - http://www.bigideahunts.net/Documents/AMBevEA.pdf
Submission Sample - http://www.bigideahunts.net/Documents/AMBevsamplesubmission.pdf
Examples from Hunt Guidelines - http://www.bigideahunts.net/Documents/Commuterbev_visuals.pdf
Deadline: Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Bra Fastener & Adjuster Idea Hunt
"A major intimate apparel company that sells mainly in the European market is seeking innovative bra fasteners and adjusters. They're looking for new concepts that help a woman fasten and adjust her bra quickly and securely, without sacrificing looks, comfort, durability, or
convenience. Best concepts will be considered for licensing. "
Insights and Guidelines - http://www.bigideahunts.net/brafastenerhunt.html
Entry Agreement - http://www.bigideahunts.net/Documents/BraEntryAgreement.pdf
Deadline: Wednesday, December 6, 2006

For more information about Big Idea Hunts see http://www.bigideahunts.net/
For more information about the Big Idea see http://www.bigideagroup.net/

Staples Invention Quest - Enter by Nov 27, 2006

2006-11-09T23:56:00.000-05:00

It's that time again.
Staples is having their Invention Quest.

They have 3 divisions and the winner in each will receive $25,000.

Invention Quest - for inventors aged 19 and over
Invention Quest Kids - for inventors 18 and younger
Invention Quest Associates - for Staples Associates

You can check out their website at: http://inventionquest.dja.com/ Also: take a peek at past winners and their items:

Sarah Pantaleo - invented Spindex™ disc dividers help keep your CDs and DVDs organized while saving space.

Beth Andria invented FrameWorx™ A dry-erase/bulletin board that surrounds your monitor and helps keep reminders always within reach.

Todd Basche invented WordLock™ The easy-to-remember combination lock that lets you choose from more than 10,000 words.

Eric Gibbons invented DigiDots™, media storage that can be put practically anywhere.

Mark Johnson invented DigiFiles™ way to organize and store your media just like traditional manila folders.

Rene Santiago invented ShowCards™, colorful, customizable business card display kits see all the products and winners at:

http://inventionquest.dja.com/staplesCons/pages/EasyProducts.html

Check Out Our Member's Only Website

2006-10-03T23:22:00.000-04:00

http://www.instructables.com/

This site is pretty cool.
There are instructions to make over a thousand different kind of weird and unusual items as well as pretty practical contraptions.

You can browse through this site if you want to make a prototype and you've never used a certain material before or have never worked with a particular substance before and don't know how to begin to learn it.

For example:
Electronics
How to make a simple electric motor
Elastic Gun
Food
Toys
etc

Staples Invention Quest - Enter by Nov 27, 2006

2006-09-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

It's that time again.
Staples is having their Invention Quest.

They have 3 divisions and the winner in each will receive $25,000.

Invention Quest - for inventors aged 19 and over
Invention Quest Kids - for inventors 18 and younger
Invention Quest Associates - for Staples Associates

You can check out their website at: http://inventionquest.dja.com/

Also: take a peek at past winners and their items:

Sarah Pantaleo - invented Spindex™ disc dividers help keep your CDs and DVDs organized while saving space.
Beth Andria invented FrameWorx™ A dry-erase/bulletin board that surrounds your monitor and helps keep reminders always within reach.
Todd Basche invented WordLock™ The easy-to-remember combination lock that lets you choose from more than 10,000 words.
Eric Gibbons invented DigiDots™, media storage that can be put practically anywhere.
Mark Johnson invented DigiFiles™ way to organize and store your media just like traditional manila folders.
Rene Santiago invented ShowCards™, colorful, customizable business card display kits

see all the products and winners at:
http://inventionquest.dja.com/staplesCons/pages/EasyProducts.html

Entrepreneur Magazine's Inventions Radio Show

2006-09-26T20:12:00.000-04:00

Entrepreneur Magazine's Inventions, Patents, and beyond
http://www.youinventit.com/radio/index.html

This site has an archive of radio shows that talks about topics of interest to inventors. So if you don't like to read, you can sit back and listen to some advice about building prototypes, raising money, promotion, etc.

There are lots of commercials for patent attorneys, etc at the end of each program segment.

Example of program: (you need Windows Media Player or similar software to listen to the program)

Do I Really Need a Prototype
Segment 1
Segment 2 - guest is Tyler Harrell a plastics consultant, President of the Plastics Resource Group

check out all their past shows at: http://www.youinventit.com/radio/index.html

The Best Blog for Inventors

2006-09-25T22:52:00.000-04:00

The American Inventor Spot
is geared to the individual inventor.

They update their blog frequently and keep you up to date on news, advice and other items of interest to inventors.

http://www.americaninventorspot.com/

They also have a great events and contest calendar to keep you up to date.

http://www.americaninventorspot.com/inventor_calendar

Their blog is the best! I have to admit, even better than this one.

Gearlog - A Gadget Guide

2006-09-22T23:13:00.000-04:00

Gearlog A Gadget Guide
by Geeks, for Geeks

read their blog at:
http://gearlog.com/blogs/Gearlog/

Everybody at Gearlog works for PC Magazine They are "number 26 on the Chicago Tribune's 50 Best Magazines list."

How to Protect Your Ideas

2006-09-12T00:43:00.000-04:00

Joe Birkner is running a one day seminar on How to Protect Your Ideas

Oct 3, 2006
6:30-9:30
or
Nov 3, 2006
6:30-9:30

To register contact:
Susan Leffler
(781) 334-5814 at Lynnfield Adult Ed

or

Joe Birkner (978) 536-2864
for more information see:
http://www.inventne.org/course.html

Better Than USPTO's Patent Search?

2006-09-12T00:35:00.000-04:00

Some inventors have found freepatentsonline to be a better way to search for patents than the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO's) website

freepatentsonline's website stated that their site is the best site for patent searching because they offer the following features:

Search term highlighting
Word stemming
Proximity searching
Relevancy ranking
Search Term Weighting

Compare for yourself
http://freepatentsonline.com/ vs http://www.uspto.gov/

If you need a 3-D sketch but don't know AutoCAD

2006-09-12T00:31:00.000-04:00

Try Google's Sketch Up

http://www.sketchup.com/

It is free 3-D software to help you represent your ideas.

"tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships"

Recent Articles of Interest to Inventors

2006-09-12T00:02:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:
The Cutting Edge:Making a NameWith the 'Ginsu'
His Late-Night Commercials
Live On in U.S. Pop Culture
By STEPHEN MILLERSeptember 9, 2006; Page A4
Arthur Schiff, TV-Advertising Pitchman (1940-2006)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115776073299858307.html?mod=Remembrances

From the Wall Street Journal:
Starting a Food Business
August 15, 2006; Page B8
Q: How do I go about publicly selling my family-recipe barbecue sauce?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115560607944035803.html

Food for Thought Got a great food idea? Submit it directly to Kraft.
By Amanda C. KooserEntrepreneur Magazine - September 2006
http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2006/september/166118.html

Want to submit a new food idea directly to Kraft Foods?
They are looking for new product and packaging ideas.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/Innovatewithkraft/readmore.aspx
you can submit your idea online or or download the Submission Packet to printand mail in your forms (.pdf 20k)(Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)

The 12 Annual Yankee Invention Expo Oct 19-21

2006-08-16T18:02:00.000-04:00

This year the 12th Annual Yankee Invention Exposition and yankee Entrepreneur Workshops are in Waterbury, CT this year from Thursday October 19, 2006 - Saturday October 21, 2006.

for more details see:
www.yankeeinventionexpo.org

or call 203 575-8322

Big Idea Roadshow in Manchester NH Aug 24

2006-08-11T02:25:00.000-04:00

From their website:

Submitting Ideas

You can submit your idea to [The Big Idea Group] in person, via phone, or by mail. You'll receive valuable advice—and BIG might choose to represent your idea to innovation-buying companies. Both our evaluation and refinement services are free. Currently we're searching for great ideas in home and garden, kids' products, fitness products, promotional items, kitchen and housewares, food packaging and storage, food, health and wellness, storage, tools, office supplies and more. Click here for more information.

http://www.bigideagroup.net/roadshowcalendar.html

Ellen DeGeneres Show looking for Inventors

2006-07-13T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is looking for Inventors

Adult Inventors
Do you have an amazing invention?
If so, then we want to see it!

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/funstuff/adultinventors/

Kid Inventors
Does your child have an amazing invention?
If so, then we want to see it!

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/funstuff/kidsinvent/

First Steps to Inventing

2006-07-10T14:56:00.000-04:00

The First Steps to Inventing
Learn the 3 common myths every inventor should know, and how to take action with creative thinking.
August 22, 2005
By Tamara Monosoff

Myth #1: The first thing an inventor should do is get a patent.
Myth #2: If I tell people my idea, they'll steal it.
Myth #3: My invention is worth a million dollars!

read the story at:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,323034,00.html

New Food Inventors Network

2006-06-26T18:23:00.000-04:00

BIG (The Big Idea Group) is launching a new food inventors network

Check it out!

http://www.foodinventors.net/

From their newsletter:
"[W}e're pleased to introduce the Food Inventors Network, a new division focusing exclusively on innovation in food, beverage, and related packaging. The food industry today is more competitive than ever, and companies recognize the importance of offering new products. They are looking outside traditional R&D departments for ideas, and BIG's open source innovation model is a very attractive solution. With industry leaders like General Mills as our first client, the new division is off to a great start-and we expect to announce more partners shortly."

This Week's Business Week Cover Story - The Godfather of Invention

2006-06-26T15:37:00.000-04:00

COVER STORY
The Godfather Of InventionThe inside story on Nathan Myhrvold's Intellectual Ventures. Will snapping up thousands of patents make it a leader in innovation—or litigation?
Go to Story

plus:
Online Extra: Intellectual Ventures: Focus on Patents
Cofounded by a former Microsoft biggie, IV is a brainstorming session, invention breeding ground, and patent powerhouse rolled into one
Online Extra: Inside the Innovation Machine
Privately held and obsessively secret, Intellectual Ventures' operations have been a mystery to many in the tech world
Online Extra: Slide Show: Scary Smart
Meet the scientists and engineers who are IV's senior inventors

Maryland Inventors Needed Story Segment

2006-06-15T15:13:00.000-04:00

Maryland Inventors Needed Story Segment

Baltimore TV station WBFF FOX 45 is looking for local inventors to share their inventions with them in a news segment about inventions. For details about the show and how to submit your invention, please visit the link below.

http://inventionshowcase.com/inventionsneeded.htm

Whirlpool Seeks Entrepreneurial Mothers for Contest

2006-06-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

For details about how to submit your invention, please visit the link below.

http://inventionshowcase.com/inventionsneeded.htm

The Ellen Degeneres Show is Looking For Adult and Kid Inventors!

2006-06-15T12:52:00.000-04:00

For details about the show and how to submit your invention, please visit the link below.
http://inventionshowcase.com/inventionsneeded.htm

Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge Exhibition at the Museum Of Science

2006-05-14T19:59:00.000-04:00

Now through May 20th come see the
Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge Exhibition at the Museum Of Science
in Boston

http://www.historychannel.com/invent/

"The Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge Semi-Finalists' inventions have been assembled in a spectacular interactive exhibition traveling nationwide in five major cities. The exhibition showcases the inventions in an interactive and engaging display of images, drawings, prototypes and finished products. Come see these amazing inventions, created by people just like you."

Inventor Resources Page at the US Patent Office Website

2006-05-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

Check out the Inventors Resources Page at the
United States Patent and Trademark Office's website
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/index.htm

There are links to the following:

Why should I obtain a trademark?

What do I need to include in my trademark application?

Does the USPTO determine trademark infringement?

On-Line Chat Transcripts
FAQs from previous chats

Does the USPTO market, promote or license inventions?

You can also print the following brochures:
Scam Prevention [ pdf ]
Disclosure Document Program[ html ]
Provisional Application for Patent[ html ] [pdf]
Provisional Application - MPEP guide [html]
General Information Concerning Patents [ html ]
A Guide to Filing A Utility Patent Application [ html pdf ]
A Guide to Filing A Design Patent Application [ html pdf ]

Free Seminar May 25th "You Don't Have to Be a Big Business to Succeed Like One: Winning Strategies for Small Business Success"

2006-05-08T16:44:00.000-04:00

Ronna Cohen, president of the 20-20 Group will be speaking at 495 MetroWest Business Expo on May 25.
Ronna will be presenting her "You Don't Have to Be a Big Business to Succeed Like One: Winning Strategies for Small Business Success" seminar.

495 MetroWest Business Expo

Listen to Ronna give her small business presentation at the 495 MetroWest Business Expo on Thursday, May 25th. Ronna will speak from 1-1:30 pm in The Commons Room of the Framingham Sheraton.
You can then spend the afternoon checking out the expo and their networking hour at 5pm. For more information on the expo, go to http://www.metrowest.org/expo/index.htm.

email: http://us.f381.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=rcohen@the20-20group.com
voice: 508-788-7220
web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fbhrbvbab.0.bwner9n6.go8xdyn6.1535&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the20-20group.com

Check out Ronna's Article in the May Issue of Boston Women's Business Magazine!

Ronna is a featured author in this months May issue.
Her article,
"Filling the Holes in Your Business Plan"
addresses the key reasons that small businesses fail to put a business plan in place. Ronna suggests solutions for creating or updating their business strategies to ensure long term growth and success.

To read the article online, go to www.womensbiz.com.

The Mom Inventor's Inside News

2006-05-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

Check out their website at:
http://www.mominventors.com

What's doing this month?

Featured Mom Noel Goldman - Cleaning Up America, One Bra Strap at a Time!
Click here to read Noel's full story!

Vote for the winning Mom Inventor on Good Morning America!

Ask Tamara: Totally Useful Trade Show Tips
For more great trade show tips, click here.

"Mom to Mom" - Advice for busy moms
We welcome your "mom to mom" advice and tips for future newsletters! Please submit your ideas by clicking here.

Top Six Mistakes Inventors Make
Read Tamara's article by clicking here..

See you at the JPMA!
For more JPMA info, click here.

Invent Right Blog

2006-05-08T16:15:00.000-04:00

From their website:

"The inventRight blog is dedicated to helping inventors and entrepreneurs get a better picture of how to sell their ideas. We hope you find the information contained in our blog useful. Please feel free to make a comment to any post you have a question on. It’ our goal to help move you one step closer to invention success by providing good advice through our blog."

http://www.inventrightblog.com/

Invention Expo 2006 June 9-11

2006-04-24T16:44:00.000-04:00

This year the Minnesota Inventors Congress presents its 49th annual Invetion Expo.

June 9-11 2006
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Redwood Area Fieldhouse and Community Center
Redwood Falls, Minnesota

for more information:

P.O. Box 71
Redwood Falls, MN 56283-0071

(507) 627-2344
(507) 637-4082 fax

mic@inventhelper.org

www.inventhelper.org

Big Idea Group Hunt - General Mills

2006-03-07T22:33:00.000-05:00

*GENERAL MILLS HUNT FOR FUN, HEALTHY KIDS' SNACKS

General Mills is seeking fun, innovative kids' snacks that are wholesome and shelf stable. Snacks should appeal to kids ages 4-12 and their moms. Key characteristics: snacks should be innovative, nutritious, tasty to kids, fun and interesting, convenient, portable, require only simple or no preparation, need no refrigeration, and make minimal mess.

For complete guidelines and entry forms, please visit
www.bigideahunts.net

Deadline for the Hunt is April 25, 2006.

How to Protect Your Ideas

2006-02-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

"HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS"

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 and
Thursday, April 6, 2006

IANE member Joseph R. Birkner, M.E. Registered Patent Agent is giving a one day course in Lynnfield, MA on Marh 7, 2006 from 6:30-9:30pm and again on April 6, 2006.

This popular course has been on-going forover 15 years.
Cost is $22 plus a $10 material fee.

Learn the basics of protecting your valuable ideas.

To register call Susan Leffler (781) 334-5814
To find out more, click here:
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS COURSE
http://www.inventne.org/course.html

******STAR RESEARCH COMPANY******
"We Put Ideas To Work!"
Web Site: http://www.gis.net/~starco
*****E Mail: http://us.f304.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=starco@juno.com&YY=13292&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b*****

Resource for funding

2006-02-13T22:27:00.000-05:00

Inventors who are also entrepreneurs interested in networking with investors, check out

www.128ICG.com

"The mission of the 128 Innovation Capital Group is to foster an environment where Innovation flourishes. We accomplish this by providing a forum where Innovative Entrepreneurs can meet Investors, Talented and Experienced Managers and Service Providers who will enable their organizations to become successful enterprises."

2006 Winner of the Lemelson-MIT Student Inventor Prize

2006-02-13T22:13:00.000-05:00

Announcement of the 2006 Winner ofthe $30,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize
January, 2006

— -->The 2006 winner of the $30,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize will be announced at a press conference on Wednesday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m. in Twenty Chimneys, on the third floor of the MIT Stratton Student Center (W20).

This event is open to the public, including all MIT faculty, staff and students.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information please call 617-253-3352. Please join us in celebrating MIT student talent!

read more: http://web.mit.edu/invent/n-main.html

The Lemelson-MIT Program website
http://web.mit.edu/invent/index.html

2nd Annual Mothers of Invention Challenge

2006-02-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

2nd Annual Mothers of Invention Challenge

In partnership with Mom Inventors, Inc. "Good Morning America Weekend" kicked off its second annual Mothers of Invention Challenge today.
If you're a mom who has a great idea for a new invention, you can enter to win. One grand prize winner will receive $5,000 plus a royalty from the sale of the invention.

Read the details at:
http://www.mominventors.com/resources/gma2005.htm

Mom Inventors "What is it really like to be on QVC?"

2006-02-07T20:17:00.000-05:00

In Mom Inventor's January Newsletter the FAQ section focused on:

"What is it really like to be on QVC?"
Many of you already know that Amy Bergin was featured in the Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing. In the book it says that Amy was scheduled to go on QVC. We have followed up with Amy to hear about her experiences. She is now a "regular" on QVC and her product the Couponizer is selling out! Many of us aspire to getting airtime to sell our product(s) and here are some 'insider' tips from Amy's time on QVC.

read the rest of the article which includes:
WORKING WITH YOUR HOST
AIRTIME MANAGEMENT
http://www.mominventors.com/press/newsletter.htm

QVC Product Submission Process
http://www.qvcproductsearch.com/

check out the newsletter at http://www.mominventors.com/press/newsletter.htm

American Inventor TV Show

2006-02-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

American Inventor, from Simon Cowell and the producers of American Idol, undertakes the search for America's best new invention. The show, which debuts on March 16, will uncover new products while making some struggling inventor's dream come true in celebrating the best in American ingenuity.

For more info, go to:

http://abc.go.com/primetime/americaninventor/index.html

Business Week Innovation & Design Newsletter

2006-02-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

Business Week has a department on

Innovation & Design
Strategy, creativity & research

Read some of the stories:

Turning Limitations into Innovation
When "balanced with a healthy disregard for the impossible," constraints can shape and focus problems, leading to truly creative solutions
A New Invention for Inventors
It's an auction of patents -- and some big-name companies will be selling in "a marketplace where nobody knows what the asset is worth"
Building an Urban Township
The centers in this slide show are more than just housing developments. They include schools, retail space, and other necessities and amenities
"Borderless Thinking" Equals Innovation
Creativity depends on free speech and the unregulated flow of ideas, says Infosys India's Nandan Nilekani
MTV Networks' Mobile Move
The company's vice-chairman explains why video for phones is a rapidly growing market. But it's more complicated than simply recycling TV shows
What does "Innovation" really mean?
How to insure a success with your clients
In Davos, CEOs Get Creative
Top execs know they need to attract people who can develop market-altering products and services. Learning how to do that was a hot topic
An Insider's Take on Steve Jobs
Former Apple board member Edgar Woolard Jr. talks about the man, his vision, and how he'll likely contribute at Disney
New Takes on Taking Temperatures
Kaz's Vicks Life Stages series of children's digital thermometers is designed to fit the needs -- and comfort zones -- of various age groups Slide Show: Hot Designs for Thermometers > >
The Bug in Microsoft's Ear
The software giant is mulling its own digital device that adds gaming to music and video, in an effort to compete with Apple's iPod empire
Steve Jobs's Magic Kingdom
How Apple's demanding visionary will shake up Disney and the world of entertainment
A Pixar Exec's Fairy-Tale Story
John Lasseter once swept Disneyland's streets. Now the animating force behind Toy Story may hold the key to the Magic Kingdom's future
Reinventing the Wheel
Pushing the limits in high performance bike design
Engineering's Modern Wonders
New technologies and materials are allowing civil engineers to build infrastructure projects of unprecedented scale and complexity Slide Show: Today's Epic Engineering Feats > >
New Orleans Unveils Master Rebuild Plan
The Urban Planning Committee announces a "comprehensive and aggressive" model to get the city back on its feet -- and protect it in the future
Rick Rashid: Microsoft's Right Brain
Redmond's top researcher pushes his scientists to go after the really big challenges
Business Prophet
Business ProphetHow strategy guru C.K. Prahalad is changing the way CEOs think
Bright Ideas for Chandeliers
Designers lit up when asked to develop unique fixtures using Austrian crystal company Swarovski's components
Amp'd: Cells for the Maxim Set
The mobile virtual network operator aims to sell hot phones and raunchy media content to -- who else? -- 18- to 25-year-old men
A Peek at Tomorrow's Coolest Tech
Some of these gadgets could be out soon, while others are just concepts. However, all show we've got plenty to look forward to

or go to their website
http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/index.html?link_position=linkxtra&campaign_id=nws_innovation_Feb1st

Sign-Up for the Innovation and Design Newsletter
http://newsletters.businessweek.com/bwn/formii.asp?c=ad589c7a6f35e6e8

The Product Development Co that Brought Smart Spin

2005-12-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

December 12, 2005:

SPEAKER/TOPIC:

Michael Antino of Merchant Media, the "concept to consumer" product development company that brought Smart Spin, rotary storage device for plastic containers and lids, to commercial success.

Merchant Media has similarly brought to market many other top selling direct response TV products such as Pasta Pro, Gator Grip, and Singer Smart Scissors.

www.merchantmedia.com

Meetings are held at M.I.T. Bldg.# 4, Room 231
(NOTE ROOM CHANGE:
We will meet in room 4-231 to the end of 2005)
at 77 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA

To Patent or Not to Patent?

2005-11-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

Everything you need to know about protecting your inventionSeptember 26, 2005By Tamara Monosoff

article from entrepreneur.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,323583,00.html

When it comes to inventing, the very first thing you need to do is protect your idea before anyone can steal it, right? Well, if you base your decision on TV commercials or the many invention websites out there touting patent services, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

However, if you base your decision on a little business sense--and the fact that your idea is an opportunity, not just an invention--then the answer is more likely, "No--but maybe later."

The simple fact is, a patent is a valuable tool--but it's hardly your number-one ticket to success. And before you invest thousands of dollars in securing a patent, there are steps you should take to ensure that it's a smart business move. After all, only 2 to 3 percent of all patented products ever make it to market.

That's not to say you should never get a patent. In fact, I've filed for patents for most of my products. But I do believe that filing for a patent shouldn't be your first--or even a required--step.

Read the rest of the story on their website:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,323583,00.html

Creating a Product Prototype

2005-11-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

This article is from Entrepeneur.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,324141,00.html

Creating a Product Prototype

From your mind's eye to the palm of your hand, learn what steps are needed to prototype your invention.
October 24, 2005
By Tamara Monosoff

here is an excerpt from the article:
"So what exactly should a prototype look like? First, it depends on your idea. Second, it depends on your budget and your goals. If possible, it's great to start with a handmade prototype, no matter how rudimentary. For example, I've seen prototypes made from the simplest of household items: socks, diaper tabs, household glue, empty milk containers--you name it. If it works for your initial demonstration purposes, it's as good as the most expensive materials.

Eventually, if you decide to move forward with your invention, you'll probably need what's known as a "pre-production" prototype-- . . ."

read the rest of the story here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,324141,00.html

Contest: For The Next Great Inventor!

2005-10-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

from the website: http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=5640

http://www.historychannel.com/invent/

"Calling All Inventors! Modern Marvels Invent Now® Challenge Seeks America’s Next Great Invention Idea

The History Channel® and National Inventors Hall of Fame® Foundation launch new competition for everyday inventors

The History Channel® and Invent Now® Inc., a subsidiary of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® Foundation, announced today that they have joined forces in search of the nation’s next great invention idea. Inventors throughout time have shared one common attribute – a unique gift for seeing a reality that does not yet exist. The Modern Marvels Invent Now® Challenge provides an opportunity for independent inventors to be discovered and to influence the ever-changing face of invention."

"The Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge will be accepting submissions at www.History.com/invent from today through December 31, 2005 at 11:59p.m. PT. The winner of the Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge will receive the tools and training necessary to become America’s next great inventor – beginning with a $25,000 grant. In addition, the winner and four other finalists will be announced and have their invention ideas and stories featured during Modern Marvels “Invention Week” on The History Channel (May 22-26, 2006). The 25 semi-finalists will also have their invention ideas featured at a national exposition and be invited to attend a one-day invention seminar to help further develop their invention ideas. "

Yahoo Groups for Inventors

2005-10-25T19:32:00.000-04:00

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/theinventorsforum/

from their site:

Description
Welcome amateur and professional inventors!!! This yahoo group was created for all who have the desire and the creativity to invent new ideas and concepts. Welcome scientist, circuit designers and draftsman. Welcome electronic technicians, computer programmers and communications specialist. Welcome engineers, machinist and mechanics. This group was created for people from every walk of life, from various technical and work backgrounds. The common bond that brings us together is inventing! In this group, you will come incontact with people who have diverse technical, business and marketing backgrounds. You will be able to ask questions about a technical problem that may need to be solved, or a marketing problem you may have. It is a think tank, a problem-solving group. You should never give your idea for an invention away to anyone; however; this forum will allow those who are not technically knowledgeable to get some advice from those who are. It is also a place for those of us who are technically knowledgeable, to get some good advice from those inventors who have a good business and marketing background. Presenting your invention to a manufacturer can be a long and hard road. Here in this group, we can discuss ways of how to shorten that road and present your invention to industry in a much shorter and professional manner. So let the creative juices flow!!!

The Big Idea Roadshow is coming Nov 4 Manchester, NH

2005-10-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.bigideagroup.net/Roadshow_OVERVIEW.htm

from their website:

"Big Idea Group invites you to attend our free Roadshows conducted throughout the United States. We’ll arrange a confidential session with a panel of industry experts who will evaluate your idea. If you can’t attend in person, we’ll schedule a phone conference or even evaluate your idea by mail. You’ll receive great advice at no charge—plus the possibility that we’ll represent your idea to innovation-buying companies."

For more information and to find out what products they are looking for, please go to their website:

http://www.bigideagroup.net/Roadshow_OVERVIEW.htm

for locations and events:

http://www.bigideagroup.net/Roadshow_EventCalendar.htm

Inventors Invited to Audition for New TV Show

2005-10-21T23:57:00.000-04:00

Associate Press

(10/21/05 - LOS ANGELES, CA) -

"Casting calls for Cowell's ABC reality show "American Inventor" start November 14 in Los Angeles. They'll be held in eight cities in November and December. . . "

see story at: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=entertainment&id=3561136

For more information go to http://AmericanInventor.tv

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

University Lecture series with a talk from inventor, physicist, and entrepreneur Dean Kamen

2005-10-21T23:53:00.000-04:00

WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/

-- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (http://www.wpi.edu) is launching its new University Lecture series with a talk from inventor, physicist, and entrepreneur Dean Kamen. The annual University Lecture is designed to bring to WPI speakers of national and international importance to enhance scholarly and scientific learning and to stimulate intellectual exchange within the university and the Worcester community. The series is sponsored by WPI's Office of the President.

When: Thursday, November 3, 2005
5:00 p.m.

Where: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Alden Memorial Hall
100 Institute Road
Worcester, Mass.

Cost: FREE and open to the public

Who: Dean Kamen has dedicated his life to developing technologies
that help people lead better lives. As an inventor, he holds
more than 200 U.S. and foreign patents, many of them for
innovative medical devices that have expanded the frontiers
of health care worldwide. While still an undergraduate at
WPI, he invented the first wearable infusion pump. He
founded DEKA Research & Development Corporation to develop
internally generated inventions as well as to provide R&D for
major corporate clients.

continued. . . please go to http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051021/nef021.html?.v=10
for the complete story.

Reminder - Idea Hunt deadline is next week

2005-10-19T17:23:00.000-04:00

The two Idea Hunts end next week.
Be sure to submit your ideas by October 26, Wednesday.

See below or go to http://www.bigideahunts.net/index.html for more information and entry forms.

*KIDS' CRAFT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITY TOYS
eToys is seeking ideas in
1.) craft activity products,
2.) outdoor activity toys.
The emphasis is on highly demonstrable items that would make compelling 60-second infomercials. Beyond craft and outdoor activity items, eToys is interested in good toy infomercial products in general.

*OFFICE COMMODITY DISPENSERS
BIG is seeking ideas for basic office consumable products in convenient disposable dispensers. Think "PEZ for pushpins." We're looking for a whole line of products to be sold near checkout as impulse items. Inventions should be designed mainly for mass office supply retailers and sell for $3 or less.

Contact:
Big Idea Group
175 Canal Street, 5B
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: 603-641-5955
Fax: 603-641-5995
InfoBIG@BigIdeaGroup.net

Presentation at Harvard Business School

2005-10-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

A group of four business consultants are speaking on
Saturday, November 12th,
from 8:30 am to noon
at Harvard University (building/room location not yet determined).

The event is sponsored by the Harvard Business Extension Business Society.

The four-person panel will use a case study, followed by a panel discussion.

IANE member Warren Sadow will be presenting one of the sections.
His topic:
Finding the work that you are passionate about and my own approach to marketing and product development-design-commercialization, involving profitability, along with ethical business practices.

For more information please contact

Warren Sadow
Principal & Team Leader
Sadow Marketing Group, LLC
marketing and product developmentfor meaningful consumer packaged goods
warren@sadowmarketing.com
office 781-894-9006 and cell 781-267-0144

Please see my resume
http://inventne.com/sadow2.htm

my mission statement
http://inventne.com/sadow1.htm

my intro page
http://inventne.com/sadow3.htm

Inventing Better Outlet for Inventors/The Big Idea Group - Globe Story

2005-10-18T10:13:00.000-04:00

Inventing better outlet for inventors
( Boston Globe, by Scott Kirsner, 2005/10/17 )

Like many other inventors, Bryon Thompson was searching for a simple solution to a persistent problem. When Kyle, his 6-year old son, got home after school, the boy was spending too much time watching television and playing video games.

read the article here:
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/10/17/inventing_better_outlet_for_inventors/

Upcoming Course Reminder: "HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS"

2005-10-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

Thursday, November 3, 2005

IANE member Joseph R. Birkner, M.E. Registered Patent Agent is giving a one day course
in Lynnfield, MA
on November 3, 2005.

This popular course has been on-going forover 15 years.
Learn the basics of protecting your valuable ideas.

To learn more or to register, click here:
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS COURSE
http://www.inventne.org/course.html

******STAR RESEARCH COMPANY******
"We Put Ideas To Work!"
Web Site: http://www.gis.net/~starco
*****E Mail: starco@juno.com*****

Product-To-Market Boot Camp This Thursday

2005-10-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

http://www.centerdesignbusiness.org/progs_designers.html

The Center for Design and Business is offering a one-day Product-to-Market Bootcamp

Product-To-Market Boot Camp

This intensive full-day workshop is for the artist, designer, inventor or entrepreneur who is bringing a new product design or invention to market. It provides a step-by-step approach to the process of moving from the idea stage to the marketplace. Throughout the day, the various sessions focus on concept evaluation, market research, user feedback, intellectual property protection, product development, team building, presentation methods, business models, and dealing with the realities of entrepreneurship. Guest presenters include David Josephs, David Guay, Deb Morais and Ann Poulos.Note: Fee includes course workbook and lunch.

Click here to download a PDF file with more information on the Product Idea-to-Market Boot Camp.

Presented by: Elizabeth Pierotti, Inventor, Product Developer, Educator and Cheryl Faria, Director, The Center for Design & Business. Guest presenters include David Josephs, Intellectual Property Attorney; Deb Morais, Marketing & Communications; Ann Poulos, Business Research Specialist; Jim Segovis, Bryant University; and David Guay, Models and Prototypes

Date: Thursday, October 20

Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Fee: $350 ($300 for Center Associates*) Fee includes course workbook

Location: Rhode Island School of Design

If you would like to see their agenda, click here: http://www.centerdesignbusiness.org/agenda_prod_series.html

Prototyping Blog

2005-10-18T09:27:00.000-04:00

Prototyping-Net.Com

a person who commented on our blog told us to check this out!
Useful information for Rapid Prototyping
Has a handy Navigation Map too
check it out

http://www.prototyping-net.com/

This Week Yankee Invention Expo in Waterbury, CT

2005-10-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

www.yankeeinventionexpo.org

Thursday, October 6, 2005
Friday, October 7, 2005
Saturday, October 8, 2005

At teh Howland Hughes Exposition Center
140 Bank St
Exit 22 off I-84 in Waterbury, CT

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

2005-10-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

http://www.bc.edu/centers/sbdc/
This is a great resource for inventors and entrepreneurs.

They "provide FREE individualized business counseling assistance for new business, existing business, troubled business, expanding business and start up ventures in all aspects of small business operations including:

Business Plan Development
Financial Planning
Marketing and Sales Strategy
Cash Flow Analysis
Organizational and Personnel Issues
Start Up and Growth
Loan/Financing Assistance

Present opportunities to learn all aspects of starting and operating a small business.

Offer workshops, seminars and management training on varied topics relative to starting and operating a small business."

Some seminars include:
Writing an Effective Business Plan
Borrowing Money to Finance Your Business
Understanding Cash Flow
etc.
http://www.bc.edu/centers/sbdc/seminars/

The Cult of the NDA

2005-10-03T18:10:00.000-04:00

Sun - September 28, 2003 at 03:37 AM in
Business

excerpt from
http://www.frozennorth.org/C509291565/E1939404619/

The cult of the NDA

To all those entrepreneurs with innovative, unique business ideas who want to capitalize on them before someone else does, I have one piece of advice: Get over it.

Riding the tech boom of the late 1990's, there were an immense number of tech companies founded with thousands of innovative, smart new ideas. As a research analyst at an investment bank during that time, I personally visited with hundreds of these young companies, and even invested personally in a handful, either directly or through my firm's venture fund.

Every one of these companies believed they had a unique idea, either a piece of technology, a business model, or a way of building a product. Non-disclosure agreements (NDA's) were the order of the day. One startup even printed its NDA on the back of visitor's badges, just like a software "shrink wrap" agreement: "By accepting this visitor's badge, you agree to the terms of this Non-Disclosure Agreement."

At one point, there was even a venture capital conference called NDA , sponsored by the now-defunct (but apparently rising from the grave) Red Herring magazine.

Unfortunately, none of these ideas were unique. Certainly not unique enough to bother signing a formal contract of confidentiality. In some cases, I visited a half-dozen companies with essentially identical concepts, each blissfully unaware of the others.

get the rest of the story at:

http://www.frozennorth.org/C509291565/E1939404619/

Eureka Medical - Resource for Medical Professionals and Talented Independent Inventors

2005-09-21T23:34:00.000-04:00

Eureka Medical is a resource for busy medical professionals and talented independent inventors with great ideas for medical devices and healthcare products, but limited time and resources to pursue them.

Eureka Medical offers services to both inventors and innovation-seeking companies. For medical inventors, we offer no-cost services to help refine and present medical product ideas to the best-matched medical supply companies. Visit http://www.eurekamed.com/ to learn more.

The Carpal Solution is an example of Eureka Medical’s work with a physician inventor to commercialize a new medical breakthrough treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. http://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/ Join the adventure in medical discovery and present your medical ideas to the Expert Medical Panel at Eureka Medical.

UPCOMING COURSE: "HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS"

2005-09-16T14:58:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 11, 2005
and will be repeated on Thursday, November 3, 2005

IANE member Joseph R. Birkner, M.E. Registered Patent Agent is giving a one day course
in Lynnfield, MA
on Tuesday, October 11, 2005
and will berepeated on November 3, 2005.

This popular course has been on-going forover 15 years. Learn the basics of protecting your valuable ideas.

To learn more or to register, click here:
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS COURSE
http://www.inventne.org/course.html

******STAR RESEARCH COMPANY******
"We Put Ideas To Work!"
Web Site: http://www.gis.net/~starco
*****E Mail: starco@juno.com*****
******************************

Big Idea Group Hunt Deadline 10/26/05

2005-09-07T22:06:00.000-04:00

The Big Idea Group is looking for great ideas in two categories:
Kids' infomercial craft and outdoor activity toys and office commodity dispensers.
If you have an idea in either or both of those categories, please submit it to our latest Idea Hunts. Ideas will be evaluated for licensing contracts, and merchandise prizes will be awarded in the Kids' Hunt. Deadline for both Hunts is October 26.

*KIDS' CRAFT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITY TOYSeToys is seeking ideas in
1.) craft activity products,
2.) outdoor activity toys.
The emphasis is on highly demonstrable items that would make compelling 60-second infomercials. Beyond craft and outdoor activity items, eToys is interested in good toy infomercial products in general.

*OFFICE COMMODITY DISPENSERSBIG is seeking ideas for basic office consumable products in convenient disposable dispensers. Think "PEZ for pushpins." We're looking for a whole line of products to be sold near checkout as impulse items. Inventions should be designed mainly for mass office supply retailers and sell for $3 or less.

For more information and entry forms, check out http://www.bigideahunts.net/index.html

Upcoming IANE Speakers

2005-08-23T15:46:00.000-04:00

To see a list of upcoming speakers and meeting info, check out our website at http://www.inventne.org/meet.html

September 12: Jeffery Conley, President of Eureka Medical in Burlington, a resource for independent inventors with ideas for medical devices and healthcare products, offering no-cost services to refine and present product ideas to the best-matched medical supply companies <www.eurekamed.com>

October 17: Angelo Tortola, IANE member and President of Venture Technologies in North Billerica, inventor and developer of the Game Light (over six million sold), the Electronic Swing Groover golf training device featured in Brookstone and Sharper Image, plus medical and military equipment. <www.venturetechnologies.com>

December 12: Saul Palder, Inventor of Smart Spin, a kitchen cupboard storage system for plastic containers and lids now available in Wal-Mart and Target. Saul and his product are featured in the cover article in the July/August/September issue of Inventors' Digest <www.smartspin.com>

Also Inventors Clinic meeting dates are September 14 and November 16 in Lexington

Staples Invention Quest - 10 Finalists

2005-08-15T09:42:00.000-04:00

View the 10 finalists, then help make office product history by voting for the invention you think will make your workday easiest. Voting begins August 10 and ends August 24.

View the finalists - http://inventionquest.dja.com/Pages/FinalistsInfo.php

Cast your vote - http://inventionquest.dja.com/Pages/Finalists.php

Product-To-Market Boot Camp

2005-08-11T14:21:00.000-04:00

http://www.centerdesignbusiness.org/progs_designers.html

The Center for Design and Business is offering a one-day Product-to-Market Bootcamp

Product-To-Market Boot Camp

This intensive full-day workshop is for the artist, designer, inventor or entrepreneur who is bringing a new product design or invention to market. It provides a step-by-step approach to the process of moving from the idea stage to the marketplace. Throughout the day, the various sessions focus on concept evaluation, market research, user feedback, intellectual property protection, product development, team building, presentation methods, business models, and dealing with the realities of entrepreneurship. Guest presenters include David Josephs, David Guay, Deb Morais and Ann Poulos.
Note: Fee includes course workbook and lunch.

Click here to download a PDF file with more information on the Product Idea-to-Market Boot Camp.

Presented by: Elizabeth Pierotti, Inventor, Product Developer, Educator and Cheryl Faria, Director, The Center for Design & Business. Guest presenters include David Josephs, Intellectual Property Attorney; Deb Morais, Marketing & Communications; Ann Poulos, Business Research Specialist; Jim Segovis, Bryant University; and David Guay, Models and Prototypes
Date: Thursday, October 20

Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Fee: $350 ($300 for Center Associates*) Fee includes course workbook

Location: Rhode Island School of Design

United Inventors Association August Newsletter

2005-08-11T14:11:00.000-04:00

The United Inventors Association August Newsletter is now available online at:

http://www.uiausa.org/Publications/Newsletter/HTMLFormat/August2005Newsltr.html

This Month:

What’s the Difference Between a Trademark, a Copyright and a Patent?

Ask the Expert: How and When to License?
By Don Kelly, Patent Agent, Member of the Licensing Executives Society-US/Canada
QUESTIONS:
1. Is it possible to obtain a licensing agreement with a large refrigeration manufacturer to begin production or would I have to wait for the patent to be issued?
2. What would be the steps to take in presenting this to prospective companies? Making a prototype would be quite expensive and I would need to contract with a refrigeration manufacturer to build it.

OFFICE UPDATE
By Carol A. Oldenburg, Administrator
Why Join??

Book of the Month
The Complete Collection

Service Providers
A listing of Service Providers that support the UIA mission through their paid Professional Membership.

UIA Classifieds
A listing of Service Providers that support the UIA mission through their paid Classifieds

Visit Our Advertisers

Welcome & Welcome Back
UIA's Newest and Renewing Members

Coming Events
Events of interest to independent inventors

Who's Who at the UIA

About the UIA

read it all at http://www.uiausa.org/Publications/Newsletter/HTMLFormat/August2005Newsltr.html

QVC Connection for your inventors!

2005-08-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

This email was submitted by Chris Holt. Thank you!

Dear Fellow Inventors,

We have some exciting news for our fellow independent inventors and product developers! We recently became product scouts for QVC Shopping Network. If the members of your organization have a product or invention (patented or not) that would be appropriate for QVC we’d love to hear from them. There is absolutely no charge to submit your product to QVC.

Even though the inventor is not required to have a patent it is important that they have done good market and patent searches on their idea to make certain that the idea is theirs to pursue. They do need to make sure that they are not infringing an already existing patent.

If they have done those things they will need an actual finished product (not a prototype) to submit to QVC. They do not allow us to submit a product that does not look exactly as it would look on a store shelf. They also do not want prototypes because they must be certain that there will be absolutely no changes in the product that they actually sell to the public. And, they must be able to conduct quality control tests on the product that will be sold.

If your inventors can get one finished product for submitting and QVC likes the product, they will refer the inventor to a factoring company that will loan the money to manufacture it for QVC.

If the members of your club have a product that is ready to be submitted for consideration please send it to:

QVC Connection
2912 Trophy Drive
Plano, TX 75025

Or, contact us at mary@qvcconnection.com or barbara@qvcconnection.com. We look forward to hearing from you and your membership.

Warm regards,

Mary Sarao & Barbara Pitts

Ask the Inventors!
QVC Connection

* P.S. You may or may not be familiar with us but we operate a website called Ask the Inventors!, where we offer free advice to novice inventors. We are also former board members of the United Inventors Association as well as current board members of the Texas Inventors’ Association. We recently wrote The Everything Inventions and Patents Book for Adams Media which is scheduled to be published February 2006. I, Mary, have also written two popular e-books, “Super Easy Guide to Step-by-Step Patent Searching Online” (http://www.asktheinventors.com/Books/patentsearch.htm) and “Create a Compelling Presentation for your Invention, ”(http://www.asktheinventors.com/Books/presentations.htm) that are offered without cost to visitors to our website, www.asktheinventors.com. Additionally, we have written for the United Inventors’ Association Newsletter and for the Texas Inventors’ Association Website, www.txinventors.com. As successful inventors and recognized experts on the subject, we have lectured extensively on the different areas of inventing and marketing at seminars, workshops and organizations around the country as well as appearing on radio and television talk shows. In 2001, we were featured inventors in the documentary film, “The Big Idea.” In July 2003, we were the subject of an article in the Dallas Morning News about our passion for assisting novice inventors that was picked up by the wire services and carried in newspapers nationwide.
*We include this biographical information so that you will know who we are and you will be assured that we are not a scam organization

The Patent Trap - Harvard Magazine Jul-Aug edition

2005-08-11T12:16:00.000-04:00

Read the whole article at:
http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/070575.html

Inventors' Incubus
The Patent Trap

Patents—a form of governmental protection to prevent ideas from being sold or used by someone else without permission—have a long and controversial history, dating back to Bohemia’s King Wenceslaus II in 1300. Queen Elizabeth I of England issued about 50 patents, some of them quasi-monopolies, including the right to manufacture and sell salt and vinegar. Historically, the purpose of patents has been to encourage creativity and innovation, with the idea that people would share ideas more freely if they knew that their original work and potential profits from it were protected.

But as Josh Lerner, Ph.D. ’91, Schiff professor of investment banking at Harvard Business School, and Adam B. Jaffe, Ph.D. ’85, Hecht professor in economics at Brandeis, argue in their new book, Innovation and Its Discontents: How Our Broken Patent System Is Endangering Innovation and Progress and What to Do about It, two small changes in the U.S. patent system have had giant unintended consequences. First, in 1982, appeals in patent lawsuits were consolidated from the regional federal circuit courts to a single specialized patent court. Second, in the early 1980s, Congress attempted to make the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) financially self-sufficient, with fees paid by patent applicants covering its costs. . . .

read the whole article at:
http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/070575.html

~Garrett M. Graff

Josh Lerner e-mail address: jlerner@hbs.edu

Big Idea Hunt Deflecto Winners

2005-08-10T14:40:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Alexander Wolfson one our members!

This is from their inventor's network email. To subscribe, please email: InfoBig@BigIdeaGroup.net

To Our Inventor Network:
We're pleased to announce the winners of the Deflecto Compu-Desk Organizer Idea Hunt. We were impressed by the quality and quantity of the submissions, despite the challenging specs for this Hunt.

For reasons of confidentiality and competitive concerns, the ideas can't be revealed until Deflecto chooses to license the inventions and bring them to market.

Donna Aikins and Dixie Layne
Jodie Anderson
Tom and Ken Cirignano
Mark Garratt
Aric Gervelis
Beth Goldfinger
Deanna Gwinup
Jon Haehnel
Mark Hansen
Eric Huber
Shelley Hunter
Jason Ivey
George Jones
Davis Kim
Chris Miksovsky
Mark Mitchell
Greg Morrison
Mark Nelson
James Noble
Colin and Jill O'Banyel
Bryon Thompson and Peter Aiston
Robert Warren & Sally Mazur and Herb & Anne Robinson
Alexander Wolfson
Ricky Wong and Roger Lee
Wei Wong

Winners will be receiving their merchandise prizes shortly. We will also notify winners on an individual basis of Deflecto's interest in licensing ideas once they have reached final decisions.

Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to everyone for entering.

You received this email because you are a member of ourInventor Network. To unsubscribe or change your emailaddress, please email: InfoBig@BigIdeaGroup.net.

Big Idea Group
814 Elm Street, Suite 300
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: 603-641-5955
Fax: 603-641-5995
InfoBIG@BigIdeaGroup.net
(C)2005 Big Idea Group

Mom Inventors Newsletter

2005-08-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

Mom Inventors, Inc. Newsletter
June - July 2005
read it online at: http://www.mominventors.com/press/newsletter.htm

Meet our featured inventor, Amy Bergin, inventor of the Couponizer. See how she took her product from the kitchen table to QVC! Our Frequently Asked Question: how can you get a few prototypes made without going overseas? Check out the fantastic new items added to the Mom Invented online store, what's new at the Mom Invented Boutique, upcoming media appearances, industry news, an announcement about The Good Morning America's Mother of Invention Challenge and an announcement about Oprah's invention search.

We hope you're taking action and working on your own product ideas - even one small step each day counts!

Tamara Monosoff,
Founder and CEO

Featured Inventor Amy Bergin
Meet Amy Bergin inventor of The Couponizer®. Read how Amy successfully sold her product on QVC and fully enjoyed the experience!
Click here to read her story

What's New at Mom Inventors, Inc.?
ABC's Good Morning America's Mothers of Invention Challenge was an enormous success! Not only has the volume of entrants been phenomenal, the quality of so many is truly remarkable. Judges from Mom Inventors Inc., Good Morning America, and West & Associates are reviewing them now. The finalists will be aired on Good Morning America on August 27th and the winner of the challenge will be announced on Good Morning America on September 3rd. Other than this, no prior notice will be sent to entrants. If you entered, we wanted to express our appreciation and gratitude to you for the tremendous effort put into your submission.
Mom Inventors, Inc. Website

Mom Inventors Handbook:
How To Turn Your Great Idea Into The Next Big Thing Hits Bookstores September 1st!
The much anticipated book, the Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing will be officially launched on Good Morning America on Friday, September 2nd.
The Mom Inventors Handbook gives practical step-by- step advice for putting inspiration into action. The book takes inventors from idea development to marketing and sales covering everything from market research to prototype development, manufacturing and licensing and debunks some common myths. It simplifies the invention process; even providing stories from real mom inventors sharing their 'aha' moments and lessons learned.
Beginning in September, Tamara will embark on a 12- city book tour starting with New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, and Denver. We will post a calendar soon of both television appearances and book signings. Look for one in your area. Tamara would love to meet you in person!
To order the Book Online

Mom Invented Store Great New Products Added

BocaBeth - DVD, VHS & CD teaches English and Spanish to toddlers and very young children.
Udderly Yours Breast Pillow - Holds the breast in position when nursing
Baby Dance! DVD introducing toddlers and preschoolers to dance
Potty Shield - improves aiming and makes potty time more sanitary and fun for boys by turning your toilet into a urinal.
SoftStoppers - Cute creatures that act as a door stop in your child's room
Journals: Pregnancy, Child Medical, Adult Medical, Small Home, Large Home, & For My Family
Diaper Dress - decorative cover is the perfect accessory to America's #1 selling baby shower gift--the Diaper Genie®
Mother's Third Arm - independently helps children to reach bottles, cups, toys and more
Each time you purchase an item from the Mom Invented Store you are directly supporting a mom inventor.
*We're looking for more high quality, sale-ready mom invented products -for any market- to sell on the online store. For information contact: jpeterson@mominventors.com

Mom Invented Boutique What's New?
A shirt that inspires! This fashionable shirt is just what you need to inspire yourself and others to take action... "Leap and the Net will Appear" shirt.
Mom Invented Boutique

New Columnist for Entrepreneur.com Tamara to Write "Ask the Expert" Column Starting in September
Entrepreneur.com Ask the Expert

Frequently Asked Question

How do I make a plastic prototype of my product without having to have an expensive injection mold made?
We have been contacted by many inventors who have said that they are not able to make a sample of their product because building a mold in the United States is cost prohibitive and overseas factories require minimum runs of 10,000 units. Therefore, they often feel stuck because they need samples of their product to test its functionality and to show it to prospective consumers and buyers.
Answer:
First, we have found domestic molds to be expensive. Due to competition you may be able to shop around (www.thomasnet.com) and find aggressive pricing. However, keep in mind that once you make your mold, it is often not economical to ship it overseas, which means you are committing for a time to do your production in the U.S. Second, the idea that you must do 10,000 units for an overseas run is really not true. From the overseas factory's perspective, they only want to work with you if you are likely to be a profitable customer. If you shop around enough and persuade factories that you are serious and that there is potential for your product, you should be able to find a factory who will do an initial run of fewer units: say 1500 to 3000 units. Now, if you truly only need a couple of units, there is another option that is not familiar to many people.
Using a technology called stereolithography, "Rapid Prototyping" enables inventors to have prototypes made quickly from Computer Aided Drawings (CAD) by a large machine rather than an expensive injection mold. Depending on complexity and size, the cost of rapid prototypes will range from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand, but are a bargain considering the alternatives (simple steel injection molds alone can cost thousands of dollars).
To learn about rapid prototyping or to locate companies that provide this service, do a Google search or visit these Websites:

General Information

Specific Provider

Industry News
All Baby Child Expo (ABC Tradeshow) - Sept 9-12, 2005
The largest juvenile tradeshow in the United States for independent and specialty juvenile stores is being held on Sept 9 - 12, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. I am told that exhibit booths are currently sold out but there is a waiting list.
If you have a booth already and are looking for someone to share the space and cost, please send us an email. Some companies have contacted us wishing to share space at this show. Please email info@mominventors.com.
All Baby & Kids Expo

Announcements Oprah is Seeking Ideas
Send your invention and proof of patent to: The Oprah Winfrey Show, Is Your Idea Worth Millions?, c/o Team TG, PO Box 917940, Chicago, IL 60661. Deadline: September 1, 2005
For More Information

email: bkofoed@mominventors.com
phone: 925-932-6674
web: http://www.mominventors.com

We welcome any suggestions or feedback on our newsletter.
Thank you for being a member of our community!

Inventor's Digest August E-Newsletter

2005-08-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

To subscribe to Inventor's Digest E-Newsletter, go to
www.inventorsdigest.com

August 1, 2005

Dear Inventor,August is the time to celebrate inventors and the amazing contributions they have made ... and continue every day to make ... to our society! Check out the August calendar on our web site for specific programs of interest. We have lots of information to kick off YOUR month so sit back, relax and find just the type of information you need.

*** Mark you calendar now for August 27 - 28 ... "Success through Invention-The USPTO and YOU," a two day conference at the Sawyer Center in Santa Rosa, California. Call the Center's director Steve Schneider at 707-524-1773 or send him an email: sschneider@santarosa.edu. There are lots of other great events ... including one this Saturday in Hawaii ... that are listed on our web site's calendar so check it out!

*** Oprah wants YOU! We've just learned that the Oprah Show is looking for hot, patented inventions to feature on an upcoming show. Send a sample of your product PLUS proof of patent to: The Oprah Winfrey Show, Is Your Idea Worth Millions?, c/o Team TG, PO Box 917940, Chicago, IL 60661. Deadline: September 1, 2005.

*** The East London Inventors Club has a great on line forum that any inventor, anywhere in the world should take advantage of. It's the perfect spot to ask questions and learn from others. Go to: http://www.eastlondoninventorsclub.com

*** The U.S. Census Bureau honors National Inventors' MonthÂ® with this profile on its web site. "Inventions make life easier and, in some cases, more enjoyable. They include color television, traffic lights, disposable diapers and the World Wide Web. Unfortunately, the most common picture of an inventor is that of a quirky, if not downright eccentric, genius. Doing away with that stereotype is one of the goals of National Inventors' MonthÂ®, held each year in August as well as getting young people interested in science and technology. Each year, some 370-thousand patents are applied for. Nearly 190-thousand are granted, with about 1-in-5 going to individuals. The remainder are awarded to corporations, about half of them foreign. One can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau on the Web at http://www.census.gov.

*** The Arizona Governor's Celebration of Innovation honors those who, through technological innovation, show leadership in and passion for the state's technology community. Nominations are being accepted for those pacesetters who set the standard in the state's rapidly growing technology industry. Know someone who should be recognized? Go to www.celebration-of-innovation.com or contact the Arizona Technology Council office at 602-343-8324, ext. 104. Deadline: August 26. Registration Fee: $35.

*** Throughout the country during August, there are lots of great seminars/workshops on how to market new products. Check out the list in the August edition of Inventors' Digest the Newsletter that is available to subscribers only. If you want to see it online, just go to www.inventorsdigest.com and click on SIGN IN. Type in the user name and password that is on your mailing label, and you can see the list of marketing workshops on page 5 of the newsletter.

*** The U.S. Congress began its summer break with no action on H.R. 2795. As we reported in the August Newsletter, there are two areas of particular concern to inventors: changing to a first-to-file patent system and publishing all patent applications 18 months after filing. On our web site, under NEWS, we feature an article by patent attorney Brad Pedersen, "First to File: A Train Wreck Waiting to Happen?" In that same section is a list of names and addresses of members of Congress to whom you should write as well as other information about the legislation. Unlike those who are fighting FOR this legislation -- some of the nation's biggest corporations -- the voice of the independent inventor is not much more than a whisper from the last row at a rock concert. But, luckily, a few inventors have banded together and hired very experienced Washington lobbyists who have already made a difference by stopping back room shenanigans that would have brought H.R. 2795 out of Committee. The Professional Inventors Alliance (PIA) needs your help! Go to www.piausa.org and make a financial contribution to this grassroots effort to protect your patent rights. I know the principals of PIA, and they have each worked tremendously hard for inventors' rights over the years. Now it's your turn ... write letters to members of Congress and write a check to PIA. If you think it's hard to develop and protect inventions today ... you don't want to see what it will be like if this bill passes.

Happy National Inventors' Month and thank you for all your inventive, creative efforts!

Sincerely,
Joanne Hayes-Rines,
PublisherInventorsâ€™ Digest

INVENTORS' DIGEST
America's Only Inventors' MagazinePublished since 1985
www.inventorsdigest.com

University of Oklahoma Selects Product Idea to Product Success for Entrepreneur Course

2005-08-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

University of Oklahoma Selects Product Idea to Product Success for Entrepreneur Course

Norman, Oklahoma – July 21, 2005 – University of Oklahoma, a leading research institution, has selected the book Product Idea to Product Success for its Entrepreneur Field Studies Course. The course is designed to help students learn new product introduction by working with technology developed by University researchers. Not just an academic exercise, students are offered to spin out a product idea to form their own company, or earn up to 20% in royalties by becoming a marketing agent.

Guiding the students throughout the semester is the book Product Idea to Product Success, A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money from Your Idea, written by Matthew Yubas (Broadword Publishing). University of Oklahoma Instructor Jim Wheeler said, “Product Idea to Product Success is the only book I’ve found that takes you from idea to market that reflects the real-world. The book will help teach the course with its complete step-by-step process.”

University of Oklahoma has many patented ideas and technology coming from engineering, chemistry, biology, and health sciences. The Entrepreneurial Field Studies course (ENT 5083), is a win-win for the students and the University. Each student team will perform a due diligence, interview the scientists, perform market research, and plan all the necessary steps to turn the technology into a marketable product. The final project is to write a business plan that is presented to venture capitalists.

Class assignments that lead to writing the business plan are derived from the supplemental Product Idea to Product Success Invention Templates. The templates guide the students to perform market research and evaluation as well as the planning, development, and launch phases. Students will also learn how to decide whether to self-market or license the idea to a company.

“Product Idea to Product Success works well in the academic environment,” said Yubas. “The information provided has made it easier for thousands of entrepreneurs, inventors, and everyday people with ideas to bring new products to market. It’s my hope that bright ideas and technology created on campus can become market successes.”

CONTACT INFORMATION
Title: Product Idea to Product Success
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money from Your Idea
ISBN: 0-9725521-0-3
LCCN: 2003111239
Genre: Non-Fiction, Business, Entrepreneurship, Inventing, Marketing
320 pages
$24.95

Publisher: Broadword Publishing (http://www.broadword.com)
info@broadword.com
(858) 233-9639

Author: Matthew Yubas, B.S., M.B.A. (http://www.Product-Coach.com)
matt@mattyubas.com
(619) 820-1269

University of Oklahoma
Michael F. Price College of Business (http://price.ou.edu/index.asp)
Jim Wheeler, Instructor
jwheeler@ou.edu
(405) 325-7363

- end -

Thanks for the submission Chris Holt!

The Innovation & Design Channel - BusinessWeek Online

2005-08-04T09:55:00.000-04:00

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/index.html

Coinciding with "Get Creative," BusinessWeek Online unveils a new Innovation & Design Channel - a vibrant forum devoted to the Creativity Economy. Each day the channel will offer fresh insight and tips into how to harness innovation in an increasingly competitive world.
Through analytical stories, design, self-assessment tools, graphics, and photos, we'll delve into the latest hotbeds of innovation: .

Car Buff features cool concept cars, reviews, a new Driving Force column on the culture of cars, and customer satisfaction rankings by J.D. Power. .

Check out Brand Equity for our 100 Best Global brands, unique product placements, branding case studies, and visit our Logo Doctors. .

Sample stunning graphics in the Game Room, where you can get sneak peaks of upcoming games, reviews, and free downloads. .

And drop by the Architecture section for cutting-edge design, model homes, sleek furniture, and more. There's nothing else quite like it on the Web. Enjoy

United Inventors Association News Bulletin 072105-1

2005-07-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

Greetings!
The July 2005 UIA Newsletter can be viewed at http://www.uiausa.org/Publications/Newsletter/Index.htm in both PDF and HTML format. The UIA is an affiliate of The Academy of Applied Science and sponsored by the The Dial Corporation.

In this issue:

Patent Law Reform Bill

Inventor's Council of Cincinnati In The News

U.S. Department of Energy - Inventions & Innovation (I&I) News

The 9th Annual Toy and Game Inventor's Forum

Free Lance Writer Seeking Inventors

The Chicago International Toy & Game Fair:
Mayor Richard M. Daley named Honorary Chairperson

Get your New Product featured in a UIA Bulletin
This Month's Featured New Product: The EnterTrainer

PARTNERS IN INNOVATION

Inventor Support Groups eligible for Free UIA Membership

Product-to-Market Boot Camp

Book of the Month:
Angel Financing

Innovation Assessment Program (IAP)

Congratulations to the Big Idea Bell Hunt Winners!

2005-07-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

BELL BIKE IDEA HUNT WINNERS1st prize of $1,500:
Paige Apar and Vanessa McGarry

Other winners, who will receive a merchandise package:
* Laszlo Baranya
* Roger Brown
* Kent Chase, Nick Blair and Daniel Lee
* Sue Cooper-Dolan
* Arra David IANE Member!
* Richard Eckhardt
* Otis Fortenberry
* Grand Designs
* Helix Designs
* David Horrigan
* Shelley Hunter
* William McManus
* Tony Miller
* Joanne Mulroy
* Dan Steinberg
* Jude Tan
* Bryon Thompson
* Val Valgardson
* Jaime Waldman

BELL POWERSPORTS IDEA HUNT WINNERS
1st prize of $1,500: Cheryl Saunders
2nd prize of $500: Allan Goldscher
3rd-5th prizes, $100 each:
* David Dailey* Mary Day
* Anthony Wells
6th-10th prizes of Bell 50th anniversary jacket:
* Arthur Battaglia
* Michael Cucurullo
* Richard Eckhardt
* Otis Fortenberry
* Jude Tan

U.S. Department of Energy - Inventions & Innovation (I&I) News

2005-07-13T16:02:00.000-04:00

_____
I&I Upcoming Funding Opportunity
Inventions & Innovation (I&I), within the U.S. Department of Energy'sOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is expected to release its next solicitation in August, 2005. To receive e-mail notification of upcoming I&I funding opportunities, subscribe to the Federal Grants Notification Service at http://fedgrants.gov/grants/servlet/ApplRegAgency.

Enter your e-mail address, then select "Energy" as the Category of Funding Activity. Enter"81.036" as the CFDA Number for Inventions and Innovation. Next, select "Department of Energy" as the Agency. Finally, click "Subscribe to Mailing List".

Following these steps is a convenient way to learn about upcoming I&I funding opportunities, but for the most up-to-date information about I&I funding opportunities, technologies, and resources, please visit the I&I Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov/inventions.

Contributed by Chris Holt, Editor and Publisher IANE

Fabrication & Prototyping "Crash course"

2005-07-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Sparqs is offering two one-day courses that will cover all the fundamental used to fabricate & prototype wood, plastics, and metal Portuguese manual machinery.

Metal Working Machinery is offered Saturday July 16 10am to 6pm and Woodworking Machinery is offered Sunday July 17 10am to 6pm.

Our metal fabrication course is taught by a Master Machinist with 25 years experience in prototyping in metal and plastic.

If you always wished that you could make small changes to a manufactured part or prototype without paying the cost of outsourcing to a machine shop or waiting the 6 weeks of turn-around to seeresults... here is the opportunity to get those basic skills which cansave time and money. There is no commitment, but successful completion of one of the bootcamps allows individuals and businesses to become members of the club. Club members have any-time access to our fully-equipped machine shop so that they can do what needs to be done.

More details available at www.sparqs.com.
Call 781-497-0046 if you want to register for either or both courses.

Yahoo helps StairCycle inventor take big step up

2005-07-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

Yahoo helps StairCycle inventor take big step up
Max JarmanThe Arizona RepublicJul. 5, 2005 12:00 AM
Phoenix cardiac sonographer Craig Ridenhour crossed a stair-stepper machine with a bicycle and came up with 10 million free ads on Yahoo. Ridenhour's invention, the StairCycle exercise bike, won the top prize last month in Yahoo Search Marketing's "Think Big" contest. The Internet search engine conducted the contest to find the "most innovative entrepreneur in the U.S." and help that person's business grow with free Yahoo advertising and Internet marketing products.

Read more at http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0705staircycle05.html

Big Idea Roadshow in Manchester, NH June 22nd

2005-05-31T23:46:00.000-04:00

"BIG’s Roadshow is a free nationwide search for innovative concepts in home and garden, office and storage, toys and kids’ products, tools, and kitchen and housewares. Inventors of all ages may attend the Roadshow to present ideas to a panel of industry experts. Panelists will evaluate ideas and offer the inventor helpful advice. In addition, BIG selects the most promising ideas to present to potential licensing partners. Roadshows are private, confidential sessions, and only the inventor, the inventor’s guest(s), and BIG panelists will see the inventor’s idea. "

The next roadshow is in
Manchester, NH, June 22, 2005

Big Idea Group
814 Elm St., Ste. 300Manchester, NH, 03101
Phone: (603) 641-5955
Fax: (603) 641-5995

For more information, see their website:
http://www.bigideagroup.net/Roadshow_EventCalendar.htm

Eight-Year Old Wins Toy Invention Contest

2005-05-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

From the Free Press:
May 17,2005 LaToya Mack

Eight-year-old Danielle Moulton gets to enjoy a new toy every month, but her parents aren't spoiling her. Danielle is reaping the rewards of her creativity.
Danielle, a 3rd-grader at Banks Elementary School, won Wild Planet Toys' Kid Inventor Challenge. The contest asks students to draw, name and describe their toy ideas.
Danielle won the contest with The Basketball Light, the concept of a basketball adorned with multi-colored lights.

Read more about this story by clicking on this link:

http://www.kinston.com/SiteProcessor.cfm?Template=/GlobalTemplates/Details.cfm&StoryID=27620&Section=Local

Beware the Invention and Idea Submission Companies

2005-05-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

Learn what to look out for

Read the fact sheet put out by the Federal Trade Commission regarding those late night invention promotion companies and how to take steps to avoid making costly mistakes:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/invent.htm

Another site, IP Watchdog will also give you the red flags

http://www.ipwatchdog.com/invent_idea_cos.html

Mom Inventors

2005-05-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

in an article today about enterprising and inventor mothers titled:

Moms Making Millions -
The Newest Trend for Stay-at-Home Mommies isn’t Ditching
Your High Power Corporate Career to Change Diapers and Clean Toilets

here's an excerpt"

"Mom Inventors (www.mominventors.com) is a place where moms with great ideas can go for useful information and support in launching their own new products. Mom Inventors and ABC's Good Morning America are working together on the "Mother of all Inventions" contest. Moms can submit their ideas for a chance to win a $5000 cash grand prize and royalties from the marketing of their invention. Current Mom Inventor products include the ‘TP Saver’ and ‘Shoe Clues’. "

read the whole story at:
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/5/emw239944.htm

Wall Street Journal Article Monday May 9, 2005

2005-05-12T18:56:00.000-04:00

The Journal Report: Small Business Section

You Have a Great Idea. Now What?

By GWENDOLYN BOUNDS
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
May 9, 2005

see the article by clicking on:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB111515231361123624,00.html?mod=todays_us_the_journal_report

She describes the steps after an inventor has an idea. It appeared on the front page of the Small Business Section: The Journal Report.

Angel and VC groups in New England

2005-05-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

This list was contributed by Bob Barton. Thanks!

here are a few descriptions and pointers to angel groups (some VC's too) for early stage companies . . .

Hub Angels Investment Group, LLC
http://www.hubangels.com/
Boston based Angel group

Angel Investor Forum
http://www.angelinvestorforum.com/
Connecticut-based group of angel investors.

Cherrystone Angel Group
http://cherrystoneangelgroup.com/
Rhode Island based angel investor group.

Walnut Venture Associates
www.walnutventures.com
Walnut Venture Associates is a Boston-based group that focuses on information-technology companies. Group members have been the founders of 20 companies and the CEOs of more than 20 companies, have invested in more than 225 private companies, and have been members of the boards of directors of more than 125 companies.
Sweet Spot:
Seed- and early-stage companies in New England only.
Prefer to have executive summaries sent to them via E-mail.
Average investment range:
$250,000 to $1,000,000
Number of angels/investors in the network: 16
Contact:info@walnutventures.com

Common Angels
www.commonangels.com
Named after the city's historic public meeting grounds, CommonAngels® is a group of 50 leading private investors and three dozen limited partners in our co-investment fund. Our members have founded, cofounded or run high-tech companies. Since 1998, we have worked closely with early stage software companies in the Northeast, funding 22 with over $25 million of our funds and $90 million from other investors.
Sweet Spot:
Early-stage software companies in the Northeast.
No-Go:
Prefer not to receive full business plans (or anything else for that matter) in hard copy.
Send executive summaries by E-mail instead.
Average investment range:
$500,000 to $2 million
Number of angels/investors in the network: 50
private investors; three dozen limited partners
Contact:
CommonAngels
James Geshwiler, Managing Director
One Cranberry Hill, Suite 6
Lexington, MA 02421781-274-9124
james@commonangels.com

Vermont Investors Forum Inc.
http://www.thinkvermont.com/financing/investors_forum.cfm
A nonprofit corporation that holds annual forums and introduces angel investors to early-stage Vermont businesses. At each forum, 10 to 12 small Vermont businesses are selected to present business plans. Forums may be attended by invitation only.
Sweet Spot:
Only invests in companies located in Vermont.
Average investment range:
$100,000 to $500,000
Number of angels/investors in the network: 600
Contact:
Vermont Investors Forum
Curt Carter
Department of Economic Development
National Life Building, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620
curt@thinkvermont.com
802-828-5233

Gould & Co.
No Web site
Invests in companies based in the Northeast, preferably in New England.
Sweet Spot:
Companies that are emerging into large markets.
Average investment range:
$100,000 to $2 million
Number of angels/investors in the network: 400+
Contact:
Gould & Co.
86 Front St.
Merrimack, NH 03054603-429-1631
gouldcapital@aol.com

Maine Angels
http://www.maineangels.org/
Maine Angels was formed in 2003, and typical angel/venture capital returns without industry restrictions. They prefer to invest in companies with beta-tested products or lead customers.
Sweet Spot:
Have a preference for companies closer to home but are open on a case-by-case basis to syndication or collaboration regionally and nationally.
Average investment range:
$100,000 to $2 million
Number of angels/investors in network: 12
Contact:
Submit executive summaries to applications@mailangels.org;
for general information e-mail info@maineangels.org.

Tri-State Private Investors Network
http://www.angelinvestorfunding.com/tristatepin.htm
In the past five years, Tri-State PIN members have invested in more than 50 start-up and early-stage companies. Businesses in which they have invested include Internet infrastructure software related to the gaming industry, mobile, wireless communication services for field service personnel, real estate, software, electronics manufacturing, microbreweries, theater, restaurants, and travel. Run by Ellen Sandles, founder and executive director, the group is based in New York.
Sweet Spot:
Early-stage companies from the Northeast through the Mid-Atlantic region.
No-Go:
Don't call or send snail mail. Send E-mail only, preferably straight from the website, where the application process is explained. Entrepreneurs who meet Tri-State PIN specifications are contacted by telephone; those who do not meet criteria are e-mailed an evaluation form with explanations, and if possible, recommendations to assist the entrepreneur.
Average investment range:
$500,000 to $2 million
Number of angels/investors in the network: 30
Contact:
For more information, please contact via the Tri-State PIN website, www.angelinvestorfunding.com

Silicon Garden Angels Investors Network
http://www.njangels.net/
Invest in companies along the East Coast, ranging from New Hampshire to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and the Washington, DC area.
Average investment range:
$20,000 to $250,000
Number of angels/investors in the network: 100+
Contact:
Silicon Garden Angels & Investors Network
Dan Conley
32 Cedar Brook Dr.
Somerset, NJ 08873-2854
732-873-1955
njangelsnet@aol.com
angels@njangels.net

Tech Valley Angel Network
http://www.techvalleyangels.com/
(TVAN) TVAN angels invest in early-stage businesses in northeastern New York and adjacent western New England. Register and complete a business review form on the TVAN Web site for consideration.
Sweet Spot:
TVAN is interested in all types of businesses that demonstrate a good investment opportunity with a reasonable chance to succeed.
Average investment range:
$50,000 to $1 million
Number of angels/investors: 20+
Contact:
Tech Valley Angel Network
Rensselaer Technology Park
250 Jordan Road
Troy, NY 12180
518-283-5385
info@techvalleyangels.com

Inventor's Digest has free E-Newsletters

2005-05-12T13:37:00.000-04:00

Sign up for a free E-Newsletter for inventors from Inventor's Digest.

Inventor's Digest is America's only inventor's magazine with advice, success stories, news and information of interest for all inventors.

www.inventorsdigest.com

Inventor Humor from indiatimes.com

2005-05-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

copied from:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1101666.cms

Inventor in the patent office
[ SATURDAY, MAY 07, 2005 12:39:01 AM]

An inventor goes to the patent office, sees the patent officer and says,
"I've got an invention; it's a folding bottle. I call it a fottle, get it?
Folding bottle - fottle."

"Very nice, sir," the patent officer says.
"Do you have any other inventions?"

"Yes, I do. I also have a folding carton; I call it a farton,"
replies the inventor.

"I'm sorry, sir," the officer says,
"but that is an inappropriate name; it's disgusting."

"Oh," groans the inventor,
"then I guess you wouldn't be interested in my folding bucket."

2005 Yankee Invention Expo Oct 6-8 Waterbury, CT

2005-05-07T22:25:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendar. This year's Yankee Invention Exposition is held in Waterbury, CT on Thursday thru Saturday October 6 through 8, 2005. For more information about workshops, exhibitors, or product scouts, directions, etc. please see their site:

http://www.yankeeinventionexpo.org/expo.htm

Next Meeting Monday May 9, MIT Bldg #4 Rm 237

2005-05-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

Monday's Meeting is at our regularly building, MIT Building #4, Room 237

Presenter: Joe Schappler, owner and President of Helix Design

You can get all the upcoming meeting info at:

www.inventne.org/meet.html

Camp Invention for your Kids

2005-05-05T17:41:00.000-04:00

Camp Invention is a week long summer enrichment day camp offered in your local elementary school for children in the second through sixth grades. Participating daily in five activity- oriented thematic modules, campers enhance their understanding of science, math, history, and the arts while having lots of fun. This exciting program invites children to let their imaginations run wild through teamwork, creative problem solving and inventive thinking.

For information, please check out their website:
http://www.invent.org/camp_invention/2_1_0_camp.asp

Big Idea Group Hunt Deadline 5/24/05

2005-05-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

The May 24 deadline for our two Idea Hunts is coming up. Both Hunts offer you the chance to win merchandise prizes and licensing contracts.

For more information and entry forms, check out http://www.bigideahunts.net/index.html

*KIDS' FURNISHINGS AND DECO
Betesh is seeking innovative ideas for children's furniture and décor, especially for tween and teen bedrooms. Products should be inexpensive (retail for $5-$50) and work well in mass market.

* COMPU-DESK ORGANIZERS
Deflecto is seeking innovative ideas for desktop storage/organizers for electronic devices. The organizers should focus primarily on those electronic components (PDAs, cell phones, cords, etc.) that are located close to computers and frequently used by office or at-home workers. Deflecto is interested in units that could be purchased individually for under $20 but be connected or combined to create a complete desktop solution for electronic gadgets.