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.

Another D-lightful product that we created for a client and that was licensed by Health Enterprises soon will be headed to CVS! Health Enterprises recently got the “green light from CVS” on the 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool, which will be sold under the “Portables, by Essence of Beauty” brand name.

“Congratulations to our client, Cathalene,” said Davison’s VP of Licensing. “Her dream is about to come true!”

The Design team quickly made two more prototypes for CVS, as the retailer, which has more then 7,000 stores, prepared to add the product to store shelves.

“We’ve been working on that one on and off for 2½ years, so I’m very glad it has finally found a home!” said Davison’s Corporate Creative Coach. “I think everyone on my team has touched it in one way or another.”

The full manicure set has a nail file, two-sided nail buffer, cuticle pusher, two-sided cleaning stick, nail brush and nail clippers. By combining six tools into one convenient, compact tool, it is perfect for enhancing nails anytime, anywhere! It also has a silicone, non-slip grip that is gentle on the fingers.

The 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool is expected to hit CVS stores in December… what a perfect stocking stuffer, and what a great gift for our client! Congratulations, Cathalene, and to everyone who worked on this awesome new product!

The client has not made a net profit from this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

According to About.com, approximately 20% of all inventors are currently female, and that number should quickly rise to 50% over the next generation. Judging by the results of the first annual Google Science Fair, however, the number of future female inventors could be even higher, particularly in the U.S.

Competing with more than 10,000 students from 91 countries, American girls took first place in all three age categories in the recent science fair. The entries were narrowed down to 60 semifinalists, and then to 15 finalists who presented their findings to judges at Google’s y headquarters last month.

The winner in the age 17 – 18 category tackled ovarian cancer and presented research that could improve the effectiveness of a chemotherapy drug. The other winning projects dealt with the effects of air quality on lungs, and reducing cancer-causing compounds produced by the grilling of meat (news: lemon juice and brown sugar marinades – good; soy sauce marinade – not so good!)

Of the 15 finalists, nine of the entries were from boys, so it is clear there are still many budding male inventors. But the sweep of American girls has defeated two long-held stereotypes: that science is a male-dominated field, and that American students are lagging behind other countries in science. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!

Read the interesting New York Times article on the results of the Google Science Fair!

When we think of the 1950s, we may think of donning poodle skirts and saddle shoes and heading to the sock hop to dance to some Elvis.  But, it’s what we may NOT think of that we want to examine today…those ’50s fads and inventions that just didn’t quite catch on.

Here’s a list of our five favorite funky ’50s inventions:

1. Curved Barrel Machine Gun: The sleek, curved design of this fierce 1953 weapon allowed for shooting around corners!  It was perfect for taking the “fire first, look later” approach!  While it sounds pretty cool, we all may be a littler safer without this one!

2. Handwriting Game: As if repeatedly writing “I will not…” statements on the chalkboard wasn’t punishment enough, this engaging 1955 game challenged players to analyze each other’s handwriting!  I suppose practice makes perfect?

3. Venetian Blind Sunglasses: Kanye West may be trying to revive this trendy fad, but it certainly didn’t catch on when it was first introduced in 1950!  Though they seem to have no real practical purpose, I suppose they may good for only letting “some” UV rays in!

4.Honegar: All you “Man Vs. Food” fans actually may love this crazy concoction.  In 1959, Dr. DeForest C. Jarvis mixed together honey and vinegar in an effort to remedy minor aches and pains.  Hmmm… tempting, but I’ll stick with ibuprofen!

5. Vest Pocket Ash Tray, Rainy Day Cigarette Holder, Cigarette Holder Built for Two: We just couldn’t resist lumping these three ’50s inventions together.  They were perfect for “lighting up” with your lover on a rainy day and dropping the ashes in your vest!

For a look at these funky inventions, click here!

Now, we know we said our favorite five inventions, but hope this honorable mention doesn’t ruffle your feathers – pun intended!

The Sanitary Appliance for Birds, an undergarment designed to catch bird…. ummm, well you know…. received patent number 2,882,858 in 1959!  While it never really caught on, it is too bad all the birds of the world aren’t required to wear undergarments as they soar high above our heads!

Practical or not, these inventions bring a whole new meaning to the “Nifty Fifties!”

If you recall from part I, Diane came up with her idea because her puppies (Alexander was joined by a sister, Olivia) would get overly warm in the car and there was no way to easily provide them with water while on the go. Diane was very excited when she got the proposal to build her idea after the research phase was completed.

“I was very happy to think it was going to be a reality soon; I still don’t believe it today,” she said. “It was definitely thrilling; it was a little scary too.”

Diane didn’t quite understand how the Design team would improve on her idea, but she was very pleased with the results.

Her idea was perfected in the Hydro Bone, a hydrating chew toy with a foam core that absorbs water. The water is then released through specially designed holes as the toy is squeezed, so it quenches a dog’s thirst while it chews or plays. The toy is also freezable for lasting refreshment. Being transferred to the Licensing Department was another stepping stone and “a definite confirmation,” she recalled.

The first company to which it was presented was not interested, however, which was “devastating.” But Diane believed in her idea, and her daughter, Kristen, believed in her, so she decided to keep going.

“Davison was handling everything and they thought it would take this much time to find the right company. I definitely agreed with that,” she said.

And find the right company we did. Diane was “overwhelmingly” pleased when she learned that Hugs Pet Products had licensed the product.

“I believe (Hugs) has a lot of passion and a lot of love for pets … I feel very comfortable with that company, and that was extremely important to me.” On the last page of the licensing agreement was a picture of the packaged product, which gave her a “very good feeling.”
“I grabbed the puppies. I hugged them and thanked them for their inspiration.”

Getting the call from the Vice President of Licensing to hear her product was licensed was “amazing.” She tried not to get “too terribly excited,” but it turned some wearisome work of processing payrolls into “such an uplifting day.”

Of course, it didn’t stop there – Her product was expanded into an entire line of hydrating chew toys: Hydro Bone, Hydro Ball and Hydro Saucer. That meant more options for pet lovers, as well as more royalties! Diane’s first royalty check was not very big, but it gave her a great feeling, she said.

“It was amazing, too. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m getting paid for this!’”

During her recent visit to Inventionland, which she described as “the most amazing” place that she didn’t want to leave, Diane received her third and biggest check to date.

“It was certainly worth getting on a plane for the first time … I still can’t believe this check was made out to me,” said Diane, whose finances have always been up and down. “This is a definite positive in my life; I’m so grateful.”

It took a little over 5 years from the day Diane got her idea to the day she visited Inventionland. She said her success was worth the wait, however, and she would “absolutely” do it again.

“Now, the royalty checks are coming in, thanks to the Davison team,” she said. “I feel this whole process was worthwhile because Davison is a great company to work with; they believe in what they do.”

Diane also said it was great meeting Mr. Davison. “He’s unbelievable; fantastic,” she said. “He seems to be a very caring individual, and he’s so focused on the company. I get the picture that his employees are more like his family.”
“He’s very down to earth; totally not a stereotype executive,” added Diane’s daughter, Kristen. “And he knows all his employees by name. Wow – that says a lot!”

Before leaving, Diane offered some words of advice to other people with ideas.

“If someone is trying to talk them out of it, I would ask them if they truly believed in it first, then try Davison,” she said. “If they read anything negative (I would tell them) not to believe everything you read…Davison is only going to try to make it better. They took my idea and made it better.”

The best thing about her product, she said, is that it helps to improve the lives of animals.

“I feel most fortunate, to be able to do that for these wonderful creatures,” she said, including her puppies. “I love them to pieces … I believe this product will have a positive impact on my animals, and everyone else’s. They deserve to be treated with the most loving treatment there is.”

Check out the great thank you letter Diane sent following her visit:

I had the most spectacular experience!! I did not know what to expect upon arrival. Mr. “D” and all who are part of this most innovative Company are the most inspiring and compassionate people. It was great to witness that the employees of Davison are a TEAM and know its true meaning. All of you have changed my life in the most positive way imaginable. I feel and know that I am and have been Blessed. It is why I was led to Davison. All of you are awesome people and I am thrilled to know you.

By the way, my first flight experience was fantastic both to and from Pittsburgh!!! I owe this life changing experience to the Davison team!!!

Thank you, Diane! Congratulations to you, Hugs Pet Products and everyone who worked on these awesome new products!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

The Senate has deemed it so! In a unanimous May 3, 2011 vote, the U.S. Senate approved an immediate resolution that made May – National Inventors Month! Similar to many inventions, the month-long celebration actually began as one idea, was improved upon and turned into another!

Previously, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the inventing community and the general public had accepted and celebrated August as National Inventors Month. With Senate approval, the move to May allows for greater inventor recognition in schools and more opportunities to inspire and celebrate innovation across the nation! In honor of this creative month, we did some digging and found some fun trivia about some very familiar inventions!

Did you know:

- The British inventor of the World Wide Web never patented his technology, because he was afraid it would become too expensive to use and the Web would never go world-wide!

- The formula for Coca-Cola has never been patented! Only selected company employees know the secret recipe!

- The grocery store owner who invented the shopping cart hired fake shoppers to push the invention around his store, because his customers didn’t want to give up their baskets!

- Long before the iPhone and iPad, the first Apple computer was born in Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage and Jobs had to sell his car to raise funds for his first commercial order!

- Parker Brothers execs initially passed on the Monopoly game because it took too long to play; but, the company president got his hands on a copy, stayed up until 1 a.m. to play it one night and he was hooked! The rest is history!

Despite setbacks and being turned down by two other companies, our client never gave up on his dream to create a product that would provide a better way to secure a dog outdoors, and he never lost his faith in Davison’s ability to bring it to market.

“Not once did I doubt that I was on the right track,” he said. “If you’re going to be successful in inventions, you better believe in your product … It never entered my mind to give up.”

Ed thought the modifications made as a result of buyer feedback were “good changes,” in fact, he wished he had thought of them himself!

He also appreciated the sign-offs along the way, which made Ed feel more secure and like he “was a part of Davison.” When he received his virtual he “wanted to show it to the world. It was just a beautiful picture,” said Ed. In fact, as soon as he got it from the mailman, he ran to show family members.

Although they wished him well, they thought he took too many chances and didn’t share his excitement. Ed had a different philosophy: “We’re not promised tomorrow, so get everything done today.”

Mr. Davison is enjoying the experience of seeing another client achieve his dream of having his product make it to the store shelves. “This is just another glowing example of how the Davison Inventing Method works,” he said.

Ed’s advice to other inventors is two-fold: they should realize that they need the help of an experienced professional; and they must have faith in their ideas.

“I think a lot of people could invent what I did, but they don’t give themselves a chance; they just don’t believe in themselves enough,” he asserted. “If you have an idea of something that you believe in, immediately find a professional company to help you, like Davison. You will never make it through yourself and be successful. You can’t be smart in every area.”

“Davison has all that you need to get your product on the market,” he continued. “They have the experience; they have the workforce and quality people… I’m glad Davison is a partner. It’s been a good experience, and I’m glad I’m associated with (Davison).”

Stay tuned to see what awesome things are in store for Ed and the Better Tether — and all the happy dogs and pet owners who use it!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Our client, Ed, loves his dog. But like many dog owners, he has had to tether his canine companion outdoors at times. Usually, it was just a matter of time before the chain or cable would knock over the dog’s food and water bowls as his pet ran around. Sure, the food could be eaten off the ground, but the water would soak into the soil or evaporate, leaving his dog thirsty … no wonder dogs bark when tethered outdoors for any length of time!

Thanks to Ed, this unhappy scenario is a thing of the past.

The retiree from Michigan had an idea for a better way to tether a dog — a stake that sits below ground level, so people and pets don’t trip over it and you never have to move it out of the way to mow the lawn. Ed came to Davison to develop his idea, and now the Better Tether is headed to the market so it can benefit countless dogs and the people who love them.

“I’m really proud I invented a more humane way to tie up your pet outside,” Ed said during his visit to Inventionland. He and Mr. Davison had a great meeting getting to know each other and discussing the Better Tether.

“It was such a pleasure meeting Ed,” said Mr. Davison. “He’s a great guy, and has a real heart for animals.”

The Better Tether wasn’t Ed’s first idea for a new product. Several years ago, he came up with a new tool attachment. He had it built and he even used it in his work. He thought others could also benefit from his invention. The inventor wanted to try to get his product to the market, but he listened to someone who told him it would never be a success.

You guessed it — a while later Ed saw his idea sitting on a store shelf after it was brought to market by someone else. Ed vowed to never let that happen again. When he got the idea for the Better Tether, he was determined to not listen to negative people. Ed chose Davison to develop his idea because he thought the company “sounded more professional.” As we were showing the Better Tether at trade shows, a buyer commented about the problem of tethered dogs always knocking over their bowls. Our corporate team took the porous cup on the top of the post that was designed to go into the ground and expanded and sealed it so it could hold food and water that could never be spilled.

“When we went back to the manufacturer and buyer, they loved it,” said Mr. Davison. “Everyone is loving this product and orders are flying in.”

Ed’s director explained why we made the changes, and he fully understood, said the vice president of new products. “He put his trust in us and let us do what we know how to do best. Obviously, he’s thrilled with his design at this point.”

Most of all, Ed was extremely happy that his product was improved to benefit the lives of dogs. He thought his design was “perfect,” and he connected with his director who thoroughly explained the process and made him feel comfortable. The 80-year-old retiree was “extremely passionate” about pursuing his dream. His friends and family were doubtful, however, and they told him so.

“People told me, ‘Edward you’re dreaming.’ Well, let me dream! This is what I want to do and I think they can put it out there for me,” he would reply.

But it didn’t happen overnight. Even when it was turned down by two other companies before getting licensed, Ed never lost faith in his idea or in Davison…

Check out Part 2 of Ed’s story — there’s so much good stuff we just couldn’t fit it all into one!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.