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Join the Search for ET

Mar-16-11 By Aminda
The SETI Institute (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) is calling for alien hunters around the world to join the search for intelligent life in the universe. Last week, the institute launched the beta test of Android app, SetiQuest Explorer, allowing smart phone users to help crunch data coming from outer space
The crowdsourced initiative will have volunteers looking for patterns in the fuzzy noise from radio signals picked up by the Allen Telescope Array in Northern California. The telescopes are trained on stars beyond the Solar System that are though to possibly be able to sustain life.

U.S. Patent System Overhaul

Mar-11-11 By Aminda
This week, after a six year effort, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to overhaul the country’s patent system. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the bill shifts the patent process to a first-to-file system from a first-to-invent system. It also allows the patent office to set its own funding, allowing entrepreneurs to pay an extra fee to fast-track the process. An effort to narrow damages for patent infringement was dropped prior to the vote.
The changes are aimed at reducing a growing backlog of some 700,000 patent applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by encouraging filers to prioritize the innovations they need to get to market first by choosing the ones worth the extra fee. However, many fear it may punish smaller firms and independent investors who lack the resources to compete under the new system.

A Faster Way to Reach Mass Markets?

Feb-01-11 By Aminda
If video killed the radio star and the mP3 is making CDs obsolete, it leads one to draw conclusions about what internet shopping must be doing to television shopping. And that is where the logic ends. On the contrary, the acceptance of secure on-line shopping has actually increased the appeal of television stations like the U.S. leader, Home Shopping Network (HSN), founded 31 years ago.

Profiting from Patents: Part 2

Jan-25-11 By Aminda
A previous post on selling patents highlighted the importance of creating a strong, sellable patent and of knowing the marketplace and the competition. It warned against both selling too soon and not soon enough. This is all critical research to have done before entering the next step in profiting from a patent which is choosing whether to sell or license the patent.

Selling a Patent – Part 1

Jan-21-11 By Aminda
IdeaConnection provides a useful forum for patent owners to pitch their invention to a market of motivated buyers. Any inventor will maximize their return if they first maximize their research.  Here are few tips on getting started.

Toyota’s new robot can play the violin

May-14-10 By Paul Wagorn
Toyota is of course very well known for making cars, but not really for making robots - this is Honda domain. That being said, Toyota has been working on this robot for 3 years, and has now decided that it is ready for public viewing.

Numbrella Umbrella

Feb-17-10 By Kristeen
Just because it works doesn't mean it's pretty. Sometimes products are designed without questioning their actual target audience. Sure it rains all over the world, and yes, we all need umbrellas, and true, it would be nice to have our hands free - to talk on our cell phones and ride our bikes, but as the saying still holds, fashion before function people.

Backwards Innovation

Feb-16-10 By Kristeen
Read Peter Lloyd's latest Right Brain Workout discussing the possibility that the invention of cars may have been a Backwards Invention. He explains that not all invention needs to take us in the direction we presume to think of as forward. Sometimes backwards is forward in the same way that less is more.

Fresh from your Fridge

Feb-11-10 By Kristeen
Designer Hanna Sandström teamed up with Whirlpool and Green Fortune to come up with a fridge that will help you grow your own garden greens. Lettuce and herbs purchased from the supermarket can be automatically fed with light and water to prolong life and growth. The Kitchen Garden system can also nurture a seed to a plant ripe for eating. For those of you without a green thumb, or dwelling without space for a garden, this concept refrigerator may be the perfect new kitchen appliance.

A Starck Invention

Jan-28-10 By Kristeen
World renowned designer Philippe Starck has just revealed two wind turbine designs for domestic use by homeowners. Ordinary individuals can put them in their yards, gardens or on roofs to generate power for their households. The "Revolutionair" 400W WT model will output 400W and the helicoidal 1KW WT will produce 1KW of power. The sleek turbines were officially debuted after a lengthy two years of research and work. The helix shaped designer turbines will be produced by Italy’s Pramac and will sell for around 2,500 euros and 3,500 euros.