Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights
Ken Roddy, Registered U.S. Patent Agent
www.patentstuff.com Workshop - How to protect your idea in the early stages, and Everything you wanted to know about patents.(1/12/11)
Esther Crawford, Government Publications Department Head , Discussed the
Rice University Fondren Library Patent Depository Library services and other programs for inventors. (2/14/07)
Brian Carpenter of Texas A&M Library demonstrated how to do an on-line patent search using their new "Tip2"
(Texas Intellectual Property Partnership) facility.(4/28/04)
Sandeep "Sandy" Seth,
Susman Godfrey, LLP Intellectual Property Attorney specializing in litigation discussed "Patent Infringement Litigation""Patent Infringement Litigation", "Patent Claims", and "Designing Around". (5/14/08)
Government and Non-Profit Programs
How you can receive up to
40 hours of free technical assistance through
SATOP (the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program). This is an excellent resource and has helped many of our members and other inventors solve technical problems.(4/13/11)
Joe Decker of
U of H Small Business Development Center (UH SBDC) Free business consulting and affordable training seminars for entrepreneurs in the start-up mode as well as to experienced business owners who want to take their companies to the next level. (4/11/07)
Ann Pham of the
Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC).
TMAC Gulf Coast is affiliated with the University of Houston College of Technology.
TMAC Gulf Coast provides a broad array of resources, training, technical assistance, and other services to small and medium size companies in the greater Houston area that help increase profits,
streamline manufacturing processes, optimize operations, increase productivity, and integrate technology and equipment. (9/9/09)
Irwin Miller of
SCORE(Service Corp of Retired Executives)a nonprofit organization providing small business counseling and training. (9/11/02)
Houston Technology Center (HTC), A non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is Houston's business accelerator and the largest technology business incubator in Texas. HTC accelerates the commercialization of emerging technology companies in Greater Houston by providing in-depth business guidance, access to capital and service providers, and entrepreneurial education. (2/28/07)
Scott Provost, Johnson Technical Support Group - SBIR and STTR government grant programs, technology transfer, available technologies and access to facilities and experts to assist the inventor with challenging technical issues, and seeking scientists and engineers. (5/28/03)
Linda Ravey discussed the new Texas A&M University
Technology Transfer and Commercialization Initiative
program to add value to entrepreneurial research and development endeavors for the express purpose of accelerating the right technologies to market.
Lucia Sevcik, of
HoustonRobotics.org and Regional Director of "FIRST"
Robotics Competition for Students
discussed this great program and showed local winners of the Lone Star Regional. (5/12/04)
Public Relations
Noted author
Steve Greenberg discussed his fascinating book about garage inventors,
GADGET NATION: A Journey Through the Eccentric World of Invention (www.gadgetnation.net)
It showcases more than 100 off-beat gadgets and the inventors behind them. These aren't fictional gag gadgets. They are actual, real products that you can buy today. Maybe you already have?
Available at
Amazon.com
,
Barnes & Noble, and
Borders.
Linden Lauve, Chief Client Officer of
Marketing Syndicate -
an integrated group of marketing services companies. Marketing Syndicate offers a wide range of marketing services such as advertising, design, strategy, research, web site development and search engine optimization (SEO), public relations,
idea generation, and navigating the pitfalls of social media. (11/10/10)
"
How to Obtain News Coverage on an Invention" and "
Writing a Press Release, Developing a Press Kit and Contacting the Media" presented by
Emily Oberton, Communications Representative at Shell Deer Park. (2/27/08)
"How Public Relations Can Help Inventors", presented by Eydie Pengelly
Marketing Communications (4/27/05)
Mary Lynn Fernau, President of
The Fernau Group Public Relations and Marketing - How to identify your audience, determine
your message and get public exposure for your business, product or project. (11/13/02)
Laura Emerson of
Great Communications, Inc. - Marketing Your Invention as a Business to Investors. (9/25/02)
Manufacturing
Alan Wong with
Eastway Development Company of Hong Kong. China. Alan's company designs, develops, and manufactures electronic and plastic
industrial and consumer products according to clients' requirements, including wireless technology and research and development (both in hardware and software). (10/28/09)
Zhimin Wang, Account Manager of
China Wang LLC www.ChinaWang.com.
discussed having your product manufactured in China. His company provides: metal stamping, parts machining, casting, plastic items, PCB boards, electronic components and assembly, textile, wood items and printing. (5/26/10)
"Manufacturing Techniques", presented by
Al Muller. Al discussed the various different tools and production processes in which products and prototypes can be made. (3/22/09)
"How Innovations Led To My Business" presented by
Marti Frost, President of
Frost Products Mfg., a plastics design and manufacturing company that makes a variety of products from crash test dummies, waste receptacles, planters, plastic lumber, benches, tables, bike racks and more. You want it, she'll make it. (7/27/05)
Dan Kaspar of
Kaspar Wire Works, Inc. Manufacturer of stock and custom products from wire, sheetmetal, and tubing.
Their product line includes baskets, fan guards, display stands, easels, food processing equipment, computer frames and stands, furniture components, and saddle rigging.
Kaspar Die & Tool offers design and machining services for forming, stamping, progressive, coil-feed and other high-volume production tooling for metal, plastic, leather, and cloth manufacturers. (10/23/02)
"Overseas product development and importing" -
Hilmar Lassberg, of Consumer Direct Marketing. (6/11/08)
Nightingale Industries, a company that employs handicapped workers
to provide product assembly, packaging, labeling, mailing, and many
other services related to production and sales. (4/24/02)
"Packaging For Your Product" - presented by Mich Samuels of
Victory Packaging. (5/9/01)
Product Design and Development
"Toy Design and Marketing", presented by David Ayers.
Ayers ConceptsDavid is a
longtime toy inventor. He regularly attends the annual New York Toy Fair, and has successfully licensed toys to Mattel (Fisher-Price) and AquaLeisure. David will discuss toy inventing, brainstorming for good ideas, and building prototypes.
(4/27/11)
Mike Gillespie of
Brite Ideas discussed
Product Design, Graphics, and Invention Development. Mike has invented numerous toys as well as lawn and garden products for
Hasbro, Fisher-Price, Step-2, DSI, California Creations and RealAid, Inc. He does illustrations for reports, renderings, drawings for patents, logos and graphics all on computer, as well as prototyping, product design, and invention development. (5/11/11)
"Inventor to Inventor Straight Talk - Improving Your Odds for Success" Local engineer and inventor
Don Bushby shared his experiences, tips and insights
regarding the inventing process, and improving your odds for achieving financial success. Don's discussion included some basics steps regarding: screening your ideas,
protecting your invention and developing your invention into a business opportunity. (6/23/10)
www.protostarengineering.com - "Turning Bright Ideas Into Winning Products",
Grant Schaffner, PhD, discussed the wide range of their engineering services, their philosophy, and how they do business, and their involvement with the US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and the US Olympic Committee.
They also assist with brainstorming and problem solving - medical devices, aerospace, human performance, and consumer products. (7/23/08)
Tom Theaker discussed "Computer Aided Drafting" and various different types of drawings that inventors may need in the design and development of an invention (7/27/11)
Art Schulze, of Wharton, TX, President of
Healthcare Technology Group discussed product design, planning, market-acceptance surveys, technology forecasting, product feasibility analyses, start-up management, technology-transfer support, and commercialization planning,
and also the new
20th Century Technology Museum that exhibits technological developments of the 20th century.
Product Design and Packaging, presented by
Rajan Sedalia, Industrial Designer, Illustrator and Inventor
www.artjar.com. (6/9/04)
"New Product Design", presented by Milton Rosenau, of Rosenau Consulting Company. (6/12/02)
"Product Safety for Inventors", Workshop presented by Al Muller. (3/28/01)
Wayne Luciano of
Acumen Design Studio - Consumer product design and development company. Product design, packaging, advertising and presentation to major consumer product companies. (11/20/02)
Logos and Graphic Design - presented by Kate Warren of
In Print FotoDesign (5/8/02)
Don Eikermann, of
HALO Branded Solutions, discussed advertising premium
and promotional products. His company is the largest of its kind in the US. (6/27/01)
"How to Price Your Product", presented by Brian Shannon. (7/11/01)
"Marketing and Product Packaging", presented by Zed Daniels of Advertising Advantage. (3/23/05)
Webpage Design and Internet
"
Branding Guidelines: Top 10 tips for successfully branding your product, service or company" – Presented by
JJ Lassberg JJ Lassberg.com, Project Manager and Social Media Consultant for
Schipul.com - The Web Marketing Company. (8/25/10)
Houston optometrists Dr. Guy Hodgson and Dr. Dhavid Cooper of
FramesDirect.com, a global leader in online eyeglass sales, discussed their patented new online FrameFinder Virtual Try-On System for "trying on" eyeglasses that gives users a true view of what they look like wearing glasses they've personally selected, and it's all done from the convenience of their home or work computer. (10/26/05)
Media and Videos
Chris Nocera, Lone Star Emmy award winning producer of the Great Day Houston Show with Deborah Duncan on KHOU-TV, and Executive Producer of
Oceanside Video Productions
discussed new product marketing videos, web videos, TV commercials, and Internet marketing. (11/11/09)
Sherry Carter of
Star Video Digital Productions a Hollywood-trained producer with over 15 years of experience.
spoke about How to effectively use video for product marketing, and offered tips and tricks to give "Do It Yourself" video projects a more professional look. (8/26/09)
"How to Make a TV Commercial", presented by Bode Higgs, noted independent producer of television commercials. (3/12/03)
Licensing
"Licensing and Commercialization of Your Product", presented by
Dan Altman of
Venture Assistance.
Dan is a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), certified by the Licensing Executives Society, and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), certified by the Institute of Management Consultants.
His company, Venture Assistance, helps inventors, entrepreneurs, companies, universities, and government agencies with licensing (intellectual property transfer), business venturing, product commercialization and management consulting services. (10/13/10)
Mr. Nolan Sagebiel of
Minigrip Inc., division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), discussed their search for new products from independent inventors.
Minigrip Inc., located in Seguin, TX, is a worldwide leader in the manufacture and sales of reclosable plastic bags for industrial packaging, medical and institutional food service markets.
ITW manufactures a wide range of products including: transportation-related components, fasteners, fluids and polymers, truck remanufacturing and related parts and service; steel, plastic and
paper products and equipment used for bundling, shipping and protecting goods in transit; equipment and consumables associated with specialty power conversion, metallurgy and electronics; commercial food equipment and
related service; tools, fasteners and other products for construction applications; adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and hygiene products; decorative surfacing materials for furniture, office and retail space,
countertops and other applications.
ITW Companies and Products. (5/25/2011)
"Licensing Your Product" Presented by
Yve Golan of
WorldInnova.com - Her company invests in, develops, and licenses new products. If accepted, they pay for filing the patent application, building a prototype, and conducting market research necessary to license the product, and take a percentage of the royalties if they secure a licensing arrangement. (8/27/08)
How To Lose Money And How To Make Money on Your Invention", presented by
David Fink - Patent Litigation Attorney. (2/24/10)
Marketing
Mr. Stephen Key of
www.inventright.com presented
"Learn How to Bring Ideas to Market". Mr. Key is a nationally renown licensing and inventing expert and he will be traveling all the way from Sacramento, CA to speak to us.
He has licensed over 20 of his own products and holds over 12 patents, having had his products in Wal-Mart, the Disney Stores and 7/11. Stephen has been in national newspapers and magazines and on national TV shows such as The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and Dr. Phil.
Mr. Key has also been a keynote speaker at the recent US Patent and Trademark Ofice's Independent Inventors Conference. (3/9/11)
"How to make and use Press/Publicity Releases and Sell Sheets", Presented by Al Muller (6/8/11)
Bill McHenry, of
Envision Sales and Marketing. Envision Sales and Marketing provides resources that aren't readily available to inventors and entrepreneurs: Sales, Marketing, Design, Product Development, and Business services. (2/23/11)
Kenny Durham, President of
Innovators Warehouse in Lee's Summit, MO, presented their "
Common Sense Approach to Commercializing your Intellectual Property".
Innovator's Warehouse offers no-obligation marketing and professional advertising tools as packages or ala carte to help innovators and patent owners reach their goals. (10/27/10)
Gus Bigos, Product Scout for
Evergreen IP. Evergreen IP helps inventors commercialize their products, and recently entered into an agreement with Clorox,
under which they solicit new product concepts for them, screen those concepts using their proprietary process, then present selected concepts to Clorox to make a go/no go decision under a standard licensing deal.
Gus explained what Clorox is looking for and how the standard licensing deal works. To see the various Clorox brands and products
Click here (6/9/10)
Elliott Brackett of Exceptional Products, Inc. (EPI),
www.sellontv.com a direct response television marketer and distributor based in Dallas discussed how they market products on television through long and short form commercials ("infomercials") as well as on QVC, HSN and national retailers.
They are always looking for new, innovative mass market products. (9/23/09)
Video Presentation of
E. Joseph Cossman, considered to be the ultimate “marketing guru” by his peers, discusses methods he used to make himself over a million dollars - 20 times in a row - with 20 different products ranging from popular
toys to household items to world-famous art prints to sporting goods to insecticides. Some were world-famous fads including The Ant Farm and Shrunken Heads. (7/13/11)
Mary Frances Blatchley, CEO of
ForBri Marketing and Design, recently merged with
The Method Agency spoke about marketing, interactive
strategies and social media marketing and how they have been helping clients build strong brands with beautifully executed, award-winning solutions for 20 years. She is Marketing Chair of Houston Interactive Marketing Association, and a member of the American Advertising Federation. (2/11/09)
"How to Sell Your Invention", presented by
Sylvia Harris of
Sandler Training. (10/8/08)
Bryan Daigle, President and Founder of
IdeaTango.com discussed his social networking site specifically created to help inventors be more successful. The website provides inventors with interactive, collaborative, and educational tools to help them connect with valuable resources, and one another. (2/13/08)
Keith Hammack of
www.InventBay.com discussed his free Web-based community that is designed to bring together inventors seeking assistance, capital, and/or organizations to assist in the development of their projects. Users of the site can post descriptions of their projects, status and needs to a directory that is available to industry professionals, capital sources and opportunity seekers. Visitors to the site can search through the InventBay.com listings for inventions that may be of potential interest. Free listings are open to inventions of all stages, The site also hosts complimentary "roundtable" audio and video meetings that provide information and support. (11/12/08)
David Dupont, inventor of the
Shure-Step® Safety Stepstools, discussed marketing strategies, and "
How To Market Your Invention On The Internet". (1/23/08)
"
Creative Marketing Strategies", presented by
John Delatorre, CEO of
Deladiep, Inc. John is successfully marketing his unique products and running his own business here and in Vietnam. He also provides consulting services and sources and builds prototypes for others. (11/8/06)
"
The steps involved in getting from the idea stage to a marketable product", presented by
Al Muller (4/25/07)
An Approach for Marketing a New Product,discussion led by
Al Muller (8/26/06)
David Dupont, inventor of the
Shure-Step® Safety Stepstools, discussed marketing strategies, and how to market your product without breaking the bank. (9/24/03)
"Making Politics Work for Your Product", presented by
Nancy Sauer, government relations consultant. Ms. Sauer has a particular interest in helping entrepreneurs understand how to harness the power of
legislation and regulation to support new product innovation, development, marketing and appropriate regulation. (4/23/03)
Gary Michael Dahl told how he developed and is successfully marketing the
"Rock N Roller"® Multi-Cart that transforms into any of 8 different configurations in seconds.(8/25/04)
Matt Yubas, author of the book "Product Idea to Product Success" was our featured speaker and offered HIA members a
Special Package: a one-on-one coaching session at a discount, plus his book for free. (4/13/05)
Don Kilpatrick Discussed Lanham Act violations and unfair competition with patents. (3/8/06)
Prototypes
Rapid Prototyping", presented by
Scott Vande Vegte,
www.dserapid.com - Rapid Prototyping utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to make inexpensive prototypes, models and parts in ABS plastic. (3/23/11)
Mr. Bob Gilman, with
Impac Systems Engineering, discussed how functional 3D ABS plastic
rapid prototyping models and parts created on dimension printers result in fewer design changes, better product designs, lower production costs, and a shorter time to get your product to market.(8/24/11)
Randy Hillier, of
Reynolds Advanced Materials - How to make your own molds and castings using
Smooth-On rubbers, plastics, foams, and other products to turn your ideas into
3-dimensional reality. (5/26/04)
Solid Modeling-Rapid Prototyping, presented by Ivan (Webb) Byford of
A-1 Solid Structures, Inc. and Eric Wilhite of
Texas Engineering Systems (8/27/03)
Gary Hinds of
Texcast - Producer of prototype to short-run investment castings. Provides rapid prototyping and manufacturing services.
Manufactures parts of all sizes and intricate shapes, from prototype to 10,000 pieces. (6/11/03)
Joe Nicklo - "Building Inexpensive Rubber Molds For Prototypes". (8/28/02)
Venture Capital, Investors, Financing
"What is Angel Investing and How to Prepare for an Investor Presentation",presented by
Rick Holdren
an "Angel Investor" with
Healthcare Angels and Founder of Appraisal & Mentor Group LLC.
A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Holdren has founded or invested in over 26 healthcare start-ups and was named as 2002 Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Mentor of the year.
Healthcare Angles invests in a wide range of industries. One of his current investments is a "virtual incubator" with an agreement with NASA to commercialize its phase III SBIR companies with matching venture investment.(7/28/10)
Martin Scheid, partner at
The Forte Group, LLC, a Houston consulting network of senior business executives committed to helping owners of small and medium-sized businesses realize their full
potential by assisting in business planning, process improvement, procedures development, staffing, finance, sales, marketing, and succession planning. (7/22/09)
Bob Pitaro of Chase Bank discussed
SBA loans and other financing services.
"Return to Reality - Venture Capital", presented by Dennis E. Murphree, of
Murphree Venture Partners. A seed and early stage venture capital firm that makes direct equity investments exclusively in high-technology enterprises, in areas such as Internet infrastructure and application software, life sciences, telecommunications, and optical/semiconductor devices. (7/23/03)
"Determining How to Market Your Idea", presented by Shelley Roth of
Springboard Ventures®, Inc. - A company assisting early stage technology companies with all phases of business development
by connecting Entrepreneurs to a network of Investors, Mentors, Professional Service Providers, online/offline educational resources. (6/25/03)
Taxes and Business Planning
Product Liability Insurance - Trinity Universal Insurance (3-9-05).
W. Edgar (Ed) Blair, CPA, with
Newton, Newton, Downs & Blair discussed "Tax Strategies For Inventors",
what expenses are deductible and what you must do to deduct them. (2/11/04)
Bill Sherrill, Founder and Co-Chairman of the U of H
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation spoke about Successful Entrepreneurship. (3/30/04)
Office Organization & Time Management
"How To Create An Organized Office", presented by Holly Uverity - Her Houston based firm,
Office Organizers, works with clients to maximize their effectiveness by creating organization systems, and also provides seminars on time management and organization skills. (8/24/05)
How Fellow Inventors Did It
Betsy Kauffman's As Seen On TV Product Ever dreamed of coming up with an
"As-Seen-On-TV" infomercial product? Well,
Betsy Kaufman, a Houston a freelance television producer, did just that. Betsy told how she came up with the idea for a product called
Eggies, which allows you to boil eggs in a classic hard-boiled shape but without their shell on (you may have seen the infomercial),
how she found a company called
Edison Nation, which produces the "Everyday Edisons" TV show, and also publishes "Inventors Digest" magazine, how they developed the product and infomercial,
and how it is going since then (10/12/11)
Bill Bragman, Eric Miller, and Steve Raymond discussed how they developed and are successfully marketing their
"Original Adjustable Door Hinge"
that replaces the conventional door hinge and allows the level of interior and exterior doors that are not closing or opening correctly because of settling of the foundation or other reasons to be adjusted to hang correctly. No shaving of the doors are necessary. Saves time and money. (1/26/11)
"
So You Think You Have An Idea, Now What?", presented by
Gerald Anderson, President and CEO of Smart Business Concepts, a product marketing consulting service. Gerald has invented and successfully marketed several products,
the latest of which is the
Notebook Prop, and a version for mobile users. He has sold thousands of these via the Internet, trade shows, craft shows, and recently negotiated a deal to place the product nationally into all Army and Air Force Base stores and other retail outlets.
Gerald also owns a marketing consulting business "Smart Business Concepts" (6/22/11)
Jeannette Young discussed her Tree Stake product
Tree Stake Solutions, which is a significant cost-effective improvement over conventional
tree stacking methods. The Safety Stake does not have any protruding elements or guy wires, therefore greatly reducing injuries and property liability; produces healthier trees; stabilizes the tree by anchoring the root ball
and doesn't bind the tree; allows the tree to sway, promoting proper root development; creates a custom aesthetic design appearance;
installs in minutes; and does not interfere with mowing. (9/14/11)
Mike Watts, President and CEO of
Better Heads LLC, shared his marketing insights and personal story of how he launched his line of
patented lawn/garden accessories into the U.S. and worldwide retail distribution channels. His premier product, the PivoTrim™ Trimmer Head, recently acquired the position of #1 in sales within
the category for 2009. His products have been sold at Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, ACE Hardware, Northern Tool & Equipment, and more. (10/14/09)
Linda Marroquin, Co-Founder and CEO of
FrogPad Inc. discussED "Multi Touch Displays Using The FrogPad system.
"
FrogPad" is a portable one-handed keyboard. It's practical, simple, and intuitive, 20-key text/numeric data entry design uses patented algorithms and ergonomic optimization providing all of the functionality of a standard keyboard.
The full-size keys ensure accuracy, ease of use, and speed for all desktop and mobile computing applications. (6/10/09)
Lisa Box, of
Smart Spacing Hangers told how she developed the new, and unique Smart Spacing Hangers and Smart Spacer that allow you to easily keep your closet
or store clean and organized. They allow your hangers to maintain an even and equal space so your clothing can hang wrinkle free and prevent unsightly tangled hangers. (2/25/09)
Steve Machiorlette, of
Worth Home Products discussed how they developed and are marketing their innovative recessed light conversion kit that simply screws in like a
light bulb and easily transforms a recessed light into a pendant light. It can save hundreds of dollars on re-wiring, dry wall and painting expenses. The screw-in pendant light is a latest trend for home remodeling and creates
energy-efficient lighting when remodeling. (1/28/09)
"Preventing Stray Current Corrosion In Electric Rail Transit Systems", presented by
Jack Gray, of
www.graywolfenergy.com Jack's patented system for mounting and insulating the rails of an electric transit system is
vibration and sound-proof as well as capable of substantially eliminating any corrosion resulting from stray or leakage current and enables greatly simplified installation over extended distances. (3/11/09)
Ron Daniels, a Harris County Constable reserve captain, and President of Millennium Lock Co. discussed how he invented, patented and is selling the "
The Ultimate Lock",
www.theultimatelock.com, a revolutionary door
lock system that is stronger than any other deadbolt door lock. (6/25/08)
Peter Aronstam, Co-founder and President of
Adaptive-AC, Inc., discussed their affordable remote control air conditioning grill mounted devices that make air conditioning more efficient. The devices restrict or boost air flow through the duct or vent
to which it is attached and do not require changing the existing ductwork or register boxes for installation. (5/28/08)
James Williams discussed how invented his
"Triangle-noes" strategy board game and his marketing endeavors. (4/23/08)
William Baird, of BeeAware, Inc.,
www.beealert.com discussed his patent pending BeeAlert System, the first nontoxic and environmentally safe spray mist that protects against killer bee attacks. The spray formula kills attacking bees, wasps, and stinging insects on contact and,
unlike other bee and wasp sprays, can be used around adults, children, pets, and plants. The formula attacks the breathing systems of the insects effectively drowning them on contact. The BeeAlert Bee Control System is available in three highly effective spray devices: A Portable Unit, a Tractor Mounted System and an Aerosol Spray. (3/12/08)
Jerry Stoller, of Stoller Group,
www.stollerusa.com discussed how his products make things flourish to get the most out of their natural potential. The products developed by his company and its subsidiaries have been able to get as much as a 400 percent crop
increase out of some plants, helping feed populations the world over. (3/26/08)
Michele Hedges of
Bella Creature Comforts told how she gave up a 20 year career as a corporate attorney to manufacture and market her innovative "
Bella Bed" cave-shaped dog bed that addresses a pet's instinct to burrow and preference for a recessed area for nap time. Her product won the 2007 Pet Product News International Editors' Choice Award and the 2007 Modern Dog Staff Picks Award. (11/14/07)
Gary Cooper, of
Chatterbats (
www.Chatterbats.com) discussed how he invented and marketed the "Chatterbats" - small plastic replicas of a real baseball bat that create a soft SHUSH sound and serve as spirit enhancers and souvenirs. (10/10/07)
James Carmouche, of Industrial Innovations ™ LLC (
www.pullingtools.com) discussed how he developed and marketed his patented "Eradicator" and "Master Extractor" tools that pull and remove poured concrete forms, fence posts, and large poles (such as utility poles) that are embedded in the ground. (4/28/10)
Mike Parker of
Web Devices, Inc. discussed some of the niche-specific items they produce which includes everything from chain and rope ladders to protective debris nets, self-retracting lifelines and body harnesses used by workers on hazardous jobs, and the patented "Tool Spider", an elastic tether that attaches on a worker's belt or harness to restrain tools.
Travis Parigi, Founder of
Liquid Frameworks told how he developed and is marketing the "
Field Pro 2006" software program deployed on a portable tablet PC or laptop that allows field engineers and sales engineers to create quotes and field tickets or invoices on a job site or in the field and electronically integrate it into their existing accounting and invoicing system. (10/1/06)
Janet Bashen,CEO of
Bashen Corp. discussed how she developed and patented her "
LinkLine" automated, web-based software program that enables employers to centralize and streamline their EEO investigations through paperless communication and electronic case files. The program is being used by Verizon, GM Corp., and many other companies.(9/27/06)
Marilyn Marshall, told how she developed, patented, and is manufacturing and marketing her "
Marilyn Light Bags", illuminated totes & handbags containing a light in the interior and a personal alarm system. (9/13/06)
Lowell Fears, of
Poly Picket, Inc. discussed his "Poly Picket" fencing made of polypropylene that looks like new cedar for a lifetime. Attaches to a wood or metal frame and can be nailed, screwed, sawed or ripped. (7/26/06)
Allen Humphrey told how he developed and is marketing the
"GO-KID"® Quadcoasters 4 wheel personal fitness/mobility push carts and motorized vehicles. (5/24/06)
"
How I got My Books Published And On The Market" - Presented by Darlene Carlisle, author of
The Carlisle Medical Journal
- An excellent way to keep track of and preserve one's important personal and family medical history, medications, appointments, medical tests, and surgeries/medical procedures. (3/22/06)
Mike Zerkus, of
CM Research told how he and Jeff Akers developed and
licensed their
Tempguard® devices that record and display the temperature
history of perishable food and other products that require their temperature
to be maintained throughout their shipping cycle. (11/9/05)
Houston dermatologist Dr. Milton Moore,
www.mooreunique.com discussed how he developed, patented, and is marketing a full line of 12 skin care products. (9/28/05)
Narmin Parpia, inventor of the Potty Scotty® and Potty Patty® potty training dolls and Potty Training System
www.pottytrainingconcepts.com. Narmin's products have been featured on Television and Talk Shows. (9/14/05)
David Seitz, inventor of the
SEISCO tankless water heaters, discussed how he developed a complete new level of technology for tankless water heaters that has become recognized as the standard for all tankless water heaters. (8/10/05)
Yamile Jackson, of
Zakeez told how she invented and is marketing the innovative "Zaky" infant pillow that is designed to mimic the size, weight, touch and feel of the hand and forearm of the mother. (7/13/05)
"How I created my ankle support athletic shoe", presented by Camellia LuPrete of
Lifters Athletic Wear (6/8/05)
Kevin Hester - how he invented and is marketing the
"Original Cajun ChickCan ™", the hottest new product in outdoor cooking. It is the wire frame can holder used for making the famous "Drunk Chicken" or "Beer Can Chicken" recipe. Put your beer can (or other canned beverage) inside the ChickCan™ wire frame and put your chicken on top of the ChickCan™ and get the most flavorful, moist chicken ever! (7/28/04)
Rajan Sedalia, Industrial Designer, Illustrator and Inventor
www.artjar.com discussed his
"Grippster™" ladder safety product that prevents ladders from sliding and skidding on irregular and curved surfaces is currently available in select Home Depots and at Amazon.com and was the winner of Business Week Magazine's Annual Design Awards and IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence Award) for 2001. Raj's inventions, designs and cartoons have appeared on PBS, FOX, WB and featured in Parade, Popular Science and Business Week magazines. (6/9/04)
Dr. Don Rudd, Chief Scientist and Director of Intellectual Property for
Regenetech, Inc., the nation's leading adult stem cell research company, will speak on the science of the stem cell research involved in organ regeneration. He will also discuss embryonic and adult stem cells and the legal and health implications of this type of research. (6/28/06)
Steve Jenkins told how he and his father invented and successfully marketed the ingenious
Snowmaster Snowscoop™
which has been described as, "the best snow removal invention in years!" for clearing snow from driveways, walkways, patios, and decks. (2/25/04)
Selene Pena
www.floratitie.com discussed how they designed and developed the "Flora Carriers"™ that secure floral arrangements during transport or delivery. (11/20/03)
Genevieve Baker discussed how she started her own business and developed
"Pipe Wrap", a leak repair kit
for all kinds of pipes, from residential plumbing to oil and gas pipelines, and a variation called "SplashGuard" which is designed to protect offshore oil and gas pipelines from corrosion. (11/12/03)
Gretchen Penny,
www.easyexpression.com, told how she created and marketed the Easy Expression™ Bustier, a hands-free breast pumping bra for new mothers. (10/22/03)
Bob Gray discussed his
"Suck Bucket™"
The air-evacuating wastebasket that sucks the plastic trash bag liner
against the interior walls and eliminates puffy trash bags.(6/26/02)
Linda Marroquin, discussed how she promoted and raised funds
for the
"Frog Pad" one-handed keyboard. (8/11/04)
Winn Eastman, of
Kodiak Technologies discussed his successful
Refrigerated Shipping Containers. (2/27/02)
Henry Sullivan of
North American Technologies Group, Inc. discussed how they landed a $55M railroad-tie contract for their patented "TieTek" composite railroad ties. (8/13/03)
Johnny Rouse, of
Texas Assistive Devices, - how some good ol' boys designed and developed
an award wining wrist adapter and a line of products for the upper extremity amputee and people with hand disabilities, from wrenches and screwdrivers to cup holders and other innovative devices. (9/10/03)
Mr. Henry Elliot and Dr. Dennis Peterson of Peterson Science &
Technology, Austin TX, discussed their
"Flaizer® Head"
fully automatic cutting head for lawn trimmers. (7/24/02)
Ken Bancroft discussed "Electric Cars" and how he builds them. (5/23/01)
David Tippetts and Tim Parks discussed their patented
ProtekDoor® home security device that prevents
doors from being kicked in by burglars, and their current marketing efforts. (7/25/01)
Steve Kole told the story of how he licensed his "skid steer"
patent to a major manufacturer just before he was going to abandon it. (8/22/01)