Arizona is home to the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. But this dry, sometimes desolate terrain is the birthplace of one of the most jubilant inventions to ever grace a body of water – the personal watercraft.

Remember the days of having to share a boating experience with an annoying relative or work colleague? No. You probably don’t. Because in 1965, a banker by the name of Clayton Jacobsen II bestowed us with the ultimate in water recreational freedom, eliminating the need to ever again have to force small talk while boating.

According to MIT.com: “The invention of both major types of PWC [personal watercraft] is usually credited to Clayton Jacobsen II of Arizona, originally a motocross enthusiast. The general public was introduced to such vehicles with the mass-marketing of Kawasaki’s Jet Ski® in 1973. The original stand-up model, with a powerful 400cc engine and handlebar steering, allowed a person to virtually water-ski without the need of a boat. However, staying aboard the device was a challenge, especially in choppy water; so for some years, despite improvements in control and stability, PWCs acquired a very loyal but also fairly limited following.”

There are a lot of beautiful cities to visit in Arizona, but we think the biggest bang for your buck is Lake Havasu City. Where else can you celebrate Jacobsen’s invention on over 30 square miles of pristine water surface while taking in some flavor from across the pond?

Your fist stop in Lake Havasu should be the London Bridge. We know it sounds weird, but the London Bridge was relocated from the River Thames in London in 1967. After two years and $7 million dollars, the London Bridge was reassembled in Lake Havasu over a man-made canal. After admiring some British engineering with your mates, it’s time hit the water Jacobsen style. Located at 507 English Village under the London Bridge, Adventure Center rentals is your source for fun on Lake Havasu.

After enjoying an activity so distinctly American, as selfish boating tends to be, why not grab some of the best American fare Lake Havasu has to offer? Place to Be at 171 Swanson Ave. has a splendid mix of American comfort food as well as re-imagined classics.

For a brief time in American history, let’s call it 1995, Lake Havasu was home to MTV’s annual spring break festivities. So while you don’t have to guzzle light beers,  dance around with Eric Nies or do a back-flip off a pontoon boat, it would behoove you to sample some of Lake Havasu’s engaging nightlife. Try Kokomo Havasu for a raucous good time or for a more relaxing time try Sandbar & Grill, 1340 McCulloch Blvd N Lake Havasu City.

Any way you cut it, you’re going to have a good time slicing through the wake of everything Lake Havasu has to offer. Just remember to tip your glass in memory of Clayton Jacobsen.

Sources:
http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/watercraft.html
http://www.londonbridgeresort.com/Marina/WaterSportRentals.aspx
http://www.placetobelhc.com/

We all believe a lot of what we read. Whether it’s in a newspaper or online, there’s something appealing about the published word.

The following list of 29 ways to stay creative has been floating around the Internet. And, it is pretty good, but who validates the efficacy of the tips? We do, while adding some of our own ideas with the help of credible sources (They have to be credible, they’re on the Internet).

1.) Make lists: Based on the fact that VH1 still exists, America loves lists. Here’s why.

2.) Carry a notebook everywhere: Garry Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams agrees.

3.) Try free writing: Like your English 101 professor made you do.

4.) Get away from the computer: And your smartphone, and your tablet and text messaging.

5.) Quit beating yourself up

6.) Take breaks: They’re right, according to Science.

7.) Sing in the shower: We don’t know if this makes you more creative, but you sound like it.

8.) Drink coffee: Or just go to a coffee shop and drink water.

9.) Listen to new music: Listen to a genre of music you’ve never heard before.

10.) Be open: This tip seems pretty obvious.

11.) Surround yourself with creative people: It worked in Zurich in 1916.

12.) Get feedback

13.) Don’t give up

14.) Practice, practice, practice: For only 10,000 hours!

15.) Allow yourself to make mistakes

16.) Go somewhere new: OR just take a new route to work.

17.) Count your blessings

18.) Get lots of rest: Or step away from your workspace, and read four pages from a book that brings you delight.

19.) Take risks: Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City suggests a biological explanation for why certain people tend to live life on the edge — it involves the neurotransmitter dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. – Time.com

20.) Break the rules: This tip seems as trite as “thinking outside of the box.” But for the sake of consistency.

21.) Don’t force it

22.) Read a page of the dictionary

23.) Create a framework: But first, find out what a framework is.

24.) Stop trying to be someone else’s perfect: This goes without saying. But Daniel Craig’s approval would be nice.

25.) Got an idea? Write it down: See number 2.

26.) Clean your workspace: Unless you are Al Gore.

27.) Have fun: We definitely have fun.

28.) Finish something: Finishing is tough. Here’s some help.

29.) Collaborate: See number 11.

At Davison, we encourage people with ideas to pursue their dreams and create … A Better Way.

Inventing is no easy task, and there are many hurdles standing in the way of budding creators — oftentimes a naysayer.

Overcoming negative reactions to your idea can be difficult. But the Wright brothers didn’t let Thomas Edison (arguably one of the greatest inventors of all time) crush their dream and neither should your clients and their ideas.

In 1895, Thomas Edison was quoted in the New York World, saying “It is apparent to me that the possibilities of the aeroplane, which two or three years ago were thought to hold the solution to the [flying machine] problem, have been exhausted, and that we must turn elsewhere.”

Less than ten years later, the brothers defied one of the most intelligent men in the United States, if not the world, and made two flights from level ground into a headwind gusting to 27 miles per hour (43 km/h).

The first flight, by Orville, of 120 feet (37 m) in 12 seconds, at a speed of only 6.8 miles per hour (10.9 km/h) over the ground, was recorded in a famous photograph. The next two flights covered approximately 175 feet (53 m) and 200 feet (61 m), by Wilbur and Orville respectively. Their altitude was about 10 feet (3.0 m) above the ground.

Proof Positive

– The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says that there are, on average, between 25,000 and 30,000 passenger flights in the United States per day.

– The Boeing Company earned 68735.00 M in revenue for 2011, according to Yahoo!

– According to the annual Amadeus Review of Ancillary Revenue Results, 50 airlines from around the world reported making $22.6 billion in fees alone (checked baggage, priority boarding, etc…)

– This website exists.

So, don’t let anybody tell you that your idea can’t, won’t or shouldn’t succeed. And let Davison help you find a better way.

“You watch too much TV!”

We all grew up hearing authority figures and parents scold us for inactivity. Well, Nigeria is doing something about their entertainment-obsessed youths.

According to a recent article posted on The Guardian online, “Over 75 percent of Nigerian children now spend most of their time watching movies …”

So Lagos – the most populated city in Nigeria at nearly 8 million – partnered with Kids Invent! — the world’s leading provider of innovation-based kids science activities that stimulate the creative interests and abilities of children ages 7 to 15. According to the article, around 300 kids participated in the invention programs, which consisted of a 5-day camp where children were encouraged to invent toys and even price their inventions for the market.

“There is a huge gap in the kids in our country today, but with this trademark program, we can tap into the lives of every innovative and creative children,” Emma Okoro – managing director of the group – told The Guardian.

Co-creator and Group Managing Director of Kids Invent!, Prof. Ed Sobey argues that kids learn best when they are creatively engaged. He noted that Kids Invent! activities are appropriate for schools, after school programs, home schools, summer camps, museums, and wherever kids are eager to experience hands-on, innovative learning.

Kids Invent! was created by Professors Ed Sobey and Timothy M. Stearns, who developed the first Kids Invent! summer camp as an outreach program for California State University in Fresno.

Davison applauds all activities that promote education and get children off the couch and creating! Here’s to hoping that more countries, including the United States, realize the importance of early education in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

(Recently, a group of students visited Inventionland as a project aimed to garner interest in STEM. Read about it here.)

For our client, George, it was sheer coincidence that first led him to Inventionland… but, there were many things that have kept him coming back!

“I found Inventionland by accident.  My boss sent me to RIDC Park to pick up a part.  [When I saw Inventionland], I snapped a picture and in two to three days, I was on it.  I Googled ‘Inventionland’ and did some research.  At the time, I already had one invention going on… and, here I am today,” said George.

Now, the local firefighter is working on his second product idea at Inventionland.  According to Senior Director of New Products, Robert, who has been working closely with George, it is a privilege to help a client with an idea that could save lives.

“George and several high-ranking members of Pittsburgh fire departments have banded together to do this idea.  They have coordinated several real fire tests on the product together… which is fascinating,” said Robert.

Earlier this month, George brought a group of his fellow inventors to the place where their dream may become a reality… Davison’s Inventionland!

“My tour consisted of family members, professional firefighters, the fire marshal and investors,” said George.  “[The tour and my group's reactions] gave me confidence and motivation as to what I’m trying to achieve here.  [Inventionland] is for real and a select few people get to see this.”

While many of our wide-eyed visitors are initially impressed with Inventionland’s whimsical scenery and magical sets, it was the more technical side of the facility that really impressed George and his tour group.

“What caught my attention most was the video and photography department… from the green screen to the kitchen display.  The other tour group members were also impressed with the graphic design capabilities,” said George, who also said that his crew is not always easily impressed. It really wowed them.  It’s a tough crowd [that] I’m dealing with.  They would tell me!” George said.  “[At first], a lot in my group were speechless.  Then, they couldn’t stop talking about [Inventionland]!”

In fact, one member of George’s tour group was so inspired that we just may be hearing from him again soon!

“One gentleman in particular has had an idea in his head and I think he was able to open up about it more.  [Inventionland] inspired him to consider taking the steps to do something for himself,” said George.

George also told us that working with Davison has helped him realize he truly is an inventor… and, he has no plans to quit looking for that next new project!

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking.  My mind is always going.  I always think, ‘how could I improve this?’ I give it a quick thought, then move on to the next thing,” said George.

According to George, that next thing could be… anywhere!

“I really wouldn’t mind one day, possibly, to even have the opportunity to work [at Inventionland],” said George, who also said he would recommend the inventing process to anyone!  “Whether they have a new idea or an idea on how to improve a product, I would not hesitate to work with Davison or Inventionland.  They are great people to work with,” said George.

Robert, one of Davison’s Senior Directors of New Products, said that feeling definitely is mutual!

“I’m looking forward to seeing the development on the product as [George's] dream comes to life,” said Robert.

And, so are we!  Check back for more updates on George and his invention!

Today, we’ve got an extra special feature from one of our very own creationeers! Lucky, a talented two-year member of our design team, and one of the stars of The History Channel’s “Inventionland” reality TV show, has sent us five of his favorite inventing apps!

A Carnegie Mellon University graduate, who now specializes in building client invention prototypes, Lucky says that, just like Mr. Davison, inventing and designing are family traditions for him, too.

Lucky said that, as a young boy, he learned valuable tricks of the trade, like woodworking, automotive and household repair, plus many other handy traits from his grandfather, who is now his favorite inventor.

Learn more about Lucky by visiting his personal website at www.painproofman.com, reading an article about him on Hey Rube Circus, “liking” him on Facebook or by checking out his comments on his five favorite inventing apps below!

1. iHandy Carpenter – This app has five of the most well designed tools for builders, makers and carpenters.

2. iEngineer – This app is a great screw, bolt, tap and die reference.

3. Convertbot – With this app, convert from any unit to any unit: weight, length, volume and many more.

4. Photo Measures – This app is the perfect way to remember dimensions of an object or room. Take a photo and add the dimensions right on the photo!

5. Calcbot – This app is a well thought out calculator that allows you to view series of multiple calculations, as well as advanced functions.

And, of course, Inventionland, an app on a mission to release the creator within us all!

We have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more from Lucky; so, stay tuned!

Ever since Henry Ford, who just happens to be one of Mr. Davison’s favorite inventors, introduced the Model T in 1908, Americans have had an affinity for the motor vehicle, in all of its shapes and, especially, with all of its enhancements!  Today, we take a look at a few of the automobile industry’s top innovations, in no particular order, of course!

Speaking of an order, even before Ford’s Model T, Alabama inventor Mary Anderson was prepared for weathering any storm.  She invented the first spring-loaded, rubber-bladed windshield wipers!  At the time, they were intended for streetcars, but became an automobile essential by 1917.

Not to be taken for granted, the first automobiles didn’t have a starter, but had to be hand-cranked at the start of a trip.  Inventor and eventual vice president of General Motors, Charles Kettering, patented an “engine starting device” in 1911.

Merging into traffic may be nearly impossible without Texas race-car driver and inventor Ray Harroun’s 1911 automobile innovation – the rearview mirror!  He won the Indianapolis 500 with his device, a small mirror attached to his windshield.  At the time, other drivers used riding partners to watch for oncoming traffic.

While not a standard feature ON automobiles, Ford’s 1913 conveyor-belt assembly line made it possible to produce automobiles for the masses – one every 93 minutes, to be exact!  Ford’s method also inspired Mr. D, who followed the example when devising the Davison Inventing Method.  In fact, Mr. Davison is even known as “the Henry Ford of inventing,” because he has made it affordable for anyone to pursue their ideas!

Really revving up the industry was the mass production of the V8 engine and we have Cadillac to thank for that!  In 1915, the company introduced a 70 horsepower L-Head V8 engine.  Again, we can thank Henry Ford for making a more affordable model, which he introduced in 1932.

An automobile made out of corn and soybeans?  We think so!  Now termed “bioplastics,” the Ford Motor Company began experimenting with plastic automobile components in the 1920s.  In 1941, they introduced the first bioplastic car – but it never made it to production.

What’s that you’ve got in your trunk?  An air conditioner?!  The Packard Motor Company introduced the first built-in air conditioner in 1939, right before the U.S. entered World War II.  The huge option filled half a trunk and cost over $4,000!

Now, here’s a feature that does not come “standard” – automatic transmission!  Again attributed to Charles Kettering and General Motors, the four-speed transmission was introduced to the masses in 1940 Oldsmobiles, but it didn’t really catch on until Cadillac buyers made it their preferred option.

No automobile could pass an emissions inspection today without the next invention on the list, the catalytic converter!  The device, which converts toxic gases into harmless ones, was pushed to the forefront when the EPA set exhaust restrictions in 1975.  We (and Mother Nature) thank you!

To read more about these made-in-the-USA automobile innovations, visit http://editorial.autos.msn.com/made-in-the-usa.

Recently, there has been historic progress made in the way patents are issued in the United States.  After nearly 60 years with no patent reform, President Obama signed the America Invents Act into law September 16, 2011.

So, how does the new law affect the invention industry?

Legislators say they hope the law will be a shot in the arm for the economy, by helping American entrepreneurs and businesses bring their inventions to the marketplace sooner – ultimately creating new products and jobs.  In fact, it is estimated the America Invents Act could make the idea-to-invention-to-business process three times faster than ever before!

After a near-decade effort to reform outdated patent laws, the new legislation is to revolutionize the patent application process in several ways:

One major change the legislation brings is a first-to-file system as opposed to a first-to-invent system.  The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) currently utilizes the latter and awards patents based on invention conception, not patent application.  The America Invents Act is to change the system, awarding patents to the first person who files for one.

Another big change for the USPTO will be their ability to set and collect their own fees for new patent filings.  Additionally, the new law institutes a post-grant review process, in order to weed out bad patents.

The America Invents Act should help the USPTO reduce patent application waiting times; therefore, reducing their current backlog by 75,000, which is great news, as the number of application filings continues to climb.  The USPTO is to offer both start-up and growing businesses the opportunity to have patents reviewed in a third of the time it typically would take.  This “fast-track” guarantees 12-month turnaround, with no additional cost to the inventor.  Legislators say they hope this measure helps create jobs.

Finally, in an attempt to help entrepreneurs avoid time-consuming and costly litigation, the America Invents Act is also to help circumvent those stumbling blocks and make the American patent process mesh with the rest of the world.  In doing so, legislators say it should be easier for American inventors to market their products worldwide.

Undoubtedly, the inventions of today could help spawn the jobs of tomorrow.  In order to do so, the America Invents Act is to update and solidify the foundation for a strong intellectual property system.

Read more about the America Invents Act:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/23/entrepreneurs-applaud-america-invents-act-say-it-will-create-more-jobs

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/16/america-invents-act-turning-ideas-jobs

http://judiciary.house.gov/issues/issues_patentreformact2011.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20107519-38/patent-overhaul-signed-into-law-by-obama/

This month, we celebrate an invention that, thanks to the many enhancements made to it, is nearly obsolete in today’s technologically-advanced world!  Yes, September 1873 marks the first time a practical typewriter was commercially sold.

The “Sholes & Glidden Type Writer” was not widely successful, but it did pave the way for a worldwide industry that continues to evolve and revolutionize what was very time-consuming and tedious office work.

The American-made invention originated in the multi-talented mind of Milwaukee, Wis. publisher, politician and philosopher Christopher Latham Sholes, during the Age of Invention.  At the time, Sholes was working in Kleinsteuber’s Machine Shop, trying to produce a machine that would automatically number book pages.

It is believed that one of Sholes’ colleagues suggested he further advance the idea by devising a way the equipment would print the entire alphabet.  With that prodding, the typewriter was just a few strokes away.  Not surprisingly, when it finally was released, the “Type Writer” was named in part for Carlos Glidden, a man who worked with Sholes at the machine shop!

Sholes created the simple device, which utilized a piece of printer’s type on a small rod that was mounted to strike upward onto a flat plate.  The plate held a piece of carbon paper, sandwiched together with a piece of stationery.  Using an old telegraph key mounted to the base of his device, Sholes tapped down on his new invention and watched as the little type jumped up and hit the carbon paper against the flat plate.

And that was pretty much it!  The space bar and enter keys came later, but Sholes did construct the machine to include the entire alphabet.  Sholes’ prototype was sent to Washington as the patent model and still exists – although it’s locked in a vault at the Smithsonian!

Along with investor James Densmore, Sholes brought his typing machine to gun maker E. Remington & Son; but, because he lacked patience when it came to marketing the invention, Sholes sold all his rights to Densmore, who kept the idea afloat.

Originally, the “Sholes & Glidden Type Writer” was brought to market with brightly decorated decals and gold paint.  It had a QWERTY keyboard, but could type only in capital letters.  Similar to an antique sewing machine, the “Type Writer” also included a foot treadle for carriage return, possibly because a Remington sewing machine engineer had recently been transferred to set up the “Type Writer” factory!  The company also offered a table model, which did not include the foot pedal.

Five years later, a second model was introduced and it included upper case, lower case and a shift key.  The colorful panels disappeared and a new black-framed look emerged.  This, the “Remington No. 2,” became a big seller and catapulted the typewriter industry… that is, at least until computers, cell phones and iPads were invented! 

Whatever it is that we’re typing on today, Mr. Sholes, we thank you for your innovation!

Information for the article provided by Earthlink.net and About.com.