Remember the Days Before Polarized Perfection? Meet the Plastic Film That Revolutionized Eyewear
Wire braces can be painful and reduce the personality of a person so Zia Chishti first introduced plastic braces with the Santa-Clara-based medical device company Align Technology as an alternative to the traditional metal dental braces.
One of Align Technologies’ core tooth-aligning products is invisalign. Along with being less painful to wear, this has advantages over other dental alignment products in that it is transparent and therefore better from a cosmetic perspective. Also unlike metal braces, the product can be removed prior to eating.
by Hamza
(Pakistan)
When Your Tires Met Their Match: The Ingenious (and Slightly Bonkers) Pivoted Claw Grip
December 1963. The air crackled with the scent of pine and the biting chill of winter. For drivers, it was also the season of dread – that heart-stopping moment when tires spun uselessly on ice, leaving you stranded, your destination a distant, frozen dream. Enter a rather ingenious, if somewhat Rube Goldberg-esque, contraption designed to banish those winter blues: the axle-mounted pivoted claw grip.
The Problem: Ice is a Tyrant
Let’s face it, before the age of sophisticated traction control and all-wheel drive, winter driving was a brutal negotiation. The slightest dusting of snow could turn familiar roads into treacherous slides. Spinning your wheels didn’t just sound bad; it dug you deeper into trouble, often leaving you helpless. Imagine that sinking feeling: you’re trying to get home, maybe pick up the kids, or just make that crucial appointment, and your car becomes an immovable object. Frustrating? Absolutely. Embarrassing? Definitely.
The Solution: A Mechanical Helping Hand
This isn’t your typical tire chain. This was a system designed to actively assist your wheel in finding purchase. Picture this: mounted on your axle, this claw arm was your car’s personal winter warrior. How did it work its magic?
- Inside-Car Command: No fumbling in the freezing cold! A simple lever inside the car was your trigger. Want traction? Flick the switch.
- Engage and Conquer: This lever would activate the claw arm, extending it towards your wheel. It wasn’t just a passive guide; it had a specific job: to engage a lug, a sort of metallic handshake, with a corresponding protrusion on your wheel rim.
- The Push: Once engaged, the arm worked in tandem with the wheel. As the wheel began to turn, the arm, powered by the wheel’s rotation, would push against the ice, helping to propel the vehicle forward.
- The Release: Here’s the clever part. At the end of its forward arc, a spring mechanism would kick in. This spring-loaded retraction allowed the arm to gracefully disengage from the wheel rim. It would then either slide back into its resting position, ready for the next cycle, or, depending on the design’s nuance, be ready to re-engage for another push.
Why This Matters: The Spirit of Innovation
Was the pivoted claw grip the ultimate solution? Probably not. Like many early attempts at solving complex problems, it likely had its quirks and limitations. Perhaps the engagement wasn’t always smooth, or the springs wore out. Maybe it added too much weight or complexity.
But here’s the real takeaway: this wasn’t just a gadget; it was a testament to human ingenuity. In an era with fewer technological safety nets, people were actively experimenting, trying to conquer the challenges of their environment. This invention, born out of necessity and a desire for freedom on the road, embodies the very spirit of progress that continues to drive automotive engineering today.
What Would You Do?
Imagine you’re driving in a blizzard, your car tires are spinning helplessly on a steep, icy hill. You’ve tried rocking the car, feathering the gas, nothing works. You remember you have this ‘Pivoted Claw Grip’ system installed. What’s your immediate thought process and action?
(Expert Answer: "First, I’d ensure the car is safely stopped, possibly by engaging the parking brake. Then, I’d carefully check that there’s no immediate traffic danger. My next step would be to activate the lever inside the car, trusting the engineering to engage the claw. I’d apply gas gently to allow the system to work, monitoring its engagement and release. If it doesn’t work after a couple of attempts, I’d reconsider my options, perhaps looking for an alternative route or calling for assistance, acknowledging that even clever solutions have their limits.")
The Evolution of Winter Traction
While the pivoted claw grip might be a relic, its underlying goal – achieving reliable traction in adverse conditions – is timeless. Today, we benefit from:
- Advanced Tire Technology: Winter-specific tire compounds and tread designs that offer incredible grip.
- Electronic Aids: Sophisticated ABS, traction control (TCS), and stability control (ESC) systems that constantly monitor and adjust wheel speed and braking.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) & 4×4 Systems: Intelligent systems that distribute power to all wheels as needed.
These modern marvels stand on the shoulders of giants, including the innovators who dared to dream up solutions like the pivoted claw grip. They remind us that every great leap forward starts with a simple, sometimes audacious, idea.
How to Maximize Winter Driving Safety (Beyond Cool Gadgets)
- Equip Your Vehicle: Always use proper winter tires. Check their tread depth regularly. Consider carrying snow chains or cables in regions prone to heavy snow.
- Anticipate Objection: “But winter tires are expensive!” Yes, but the cost of a single accident, or being stranded, far outweighs the investment in proper safety gear.
- Drive Defensively: Assume every surface is slippery. Increase following distances significantly (8-10 seconds).
- Anticipate Objection: “I’m a good driver, I can handle it.” Even the best drivers can be victims of sudden loss of traction or the actions of other drivers. Prudence is key.
- Smooth Inputs are Crucial: Accelerate, brake, and steer gently and smoothly. Sudden movements can easily break traction.
- Anticipate Objection: “What if I need to brake hard?” If you need to brake hard, do so firmly but without locking the wheels (ABS helps here). If you have non-ABS, brake just short of locking them up.
- Know Your Vehicle: Understand how your car’s specific systems (AWD, traction control) work. Practice in a safe, empty parking lot.
- Anticipate Objection: “It’s too complicated to learn.” Modern systems are designed to be intuitive, but a little understanding goes a long way in maximizing their benefit.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include blankets, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, first-aid kit, sand/kitty litter for traction, and a phone charger.
Pin Head Detector: How a 1963 Marvel Launched Today’s Space Communication Revolution
Imagine this: it’s December 1963. The world is abuzz with the Space Race, but communicating across the vast emptiness of space is like trying to whisper across an ocean. Then, Sperry Rand researchers pull off a miracle. They create a device so small it’s practically a speck – a "pin head" – capable of detecting and amplifying faint light signals by a staggering 100 times. This wasn’t just a gadget; it was a game-changer, a tiny titan that paved the way for the sophisticated space communication systems we rely on today.
From "Pin Head" to Planetary Ears: What Was This Magic Dust?
Let’s cut through the technical jargon. That "tiny white button" was essentially an early, highly advanced photodetector – a sophisticated cousin of the photodiodes and light sensors we find everywhere today. Think of it like the pupil of a camera, but on steroids. Its job? To catch incredibly weak light signals, signals so faint they’re almost ghosts, and then boost their power significantly.
Analogy Alert: Imagine you’re trying to hear a friend whispering secrets from across a football stadium during a rock concert. Impossible, right? This "pin head" device was like giving your ears super-amplifiers, allowing you to not just hear the whisper but understand it clearly, even with all the stadium noise.
The Amplification Imperative: Why Faint Signals Matter
Space is BIG. Really, really big. And the further you get from Earth, the weaker those radio or light signals become. To put it in perspective:
- Voyager 1: Traveling over 14 billion miles away, its signals pack less than a trillionth of a watt by the time they reach Earth. Without extreme amplification and sensitive receivers, we’d hear nothing but static.
- Mars Rovers: Even signals from Mars, a mere 34 million miles away at closest approach, require sophisticated ground antennas (like the Deep Space Network) and sensitive receivers to capture the data.
This 1963 breakthrough was critical because it meant:
- Smaller, Lighter Spacecraft: Less power needed for transmission meant smaller, lighter, and cheaper payloads. Every ounce saved in space travel is a victory.
- Greater Distances: Enabling communication across millions of miles opened up the solar system for exploration.
- More Data: Clearer signals mean more data can be sent back, painting a richer picture of distant worlds.
The Transistor’s Tiny Cousin: A Miniaturization Milestone
Calling this device "transistor-like" was spot on. Transistors were revolutionizing electronics in the 1950s and 60s, enabling devices to shrink from room-sized cabinets to pocket-sized wonders. This photodetector, being a compact, solid-state device, fit right into that paradigm. It meant future communication systems wouldn’t need bulky, power-hungry vacuum tubes. Instead, they could be built into incredibly small packages – literally the size of a matchbox, as the original article suggests.
This miniaturization wasn’t just about convenience; it was fundamental to enabling complex systems to fit onto spacecraft with limited space and power budgets.
Executive Summary: Key Takeaways
- Early Sensitivity Breakthrough: A 1963 ‘pin head’ detector amplified faint light signals 100x, enabling long-distance space communication.
- Foundation for Miniaturization: As a compact, solid-state device, it mirrored the impact of transistors, leading to smaller receivers.
- Crucial for Exploration: Enhanced signal detection made communication across millions of miles feasible, allowing for deeper space probes and data transmission.
- Visionary Sensitivity Goal: The ambition for billion-times greater sensitivity foreshadowed today’s cutting-edge sensor technology.
- Modern Relevance: This historical innovation underpins current advancements in optical communications, IoT, and deep-space exploration.
The Billion-Times Leap: Chasing the Unseen
The researchers’ dream? To make their detector a billion times more sensitive. That’s not just an incremental improvement; it’s a leap into the realm of the almost impossible. Imagine trying to spot a single firefly from the International Space Station!
What does this level of sensitivity unlock?
- Deepest Space Exploration: Communicating with probes at the edge of the solar system and beyond.
- Interstellar Communication: The (still largely theoretical) possibility of detecting signals from alien civilizations.
- Advanced Earth Observation: Sensing incredibly subtle environmental changes from orbit.
- Quantum Communications: Pushing the boundaries of secure, light-based information transfer.
Real-World Echoes: Where This Tech Lives Today
While the "pin head" detector is a relic of the past, its spirit lives on. The fundamental challenge of detecting faint signals in noisy environments is universal. Today, similar principles are applied in:
- Fiber Optics: The backbone of the internet relies on detecting incredibly weak light pulses traveling through glass fibers.
- Medical Imaging: Highly sensitive sensors allow for detailed internal views of the human body with minimal radiation.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Tiny, low-power sensors communicate data over vast networks, often with very limited transmission power.
- Astronomy: Telescopes use advanced photodetectors to capture light from the most distant galaxies and exoplanets.
Navigating the Future of Signal Detection
As industry leaders, staying ahead means understanding the trajectory of sensor technology. Here’s how to leverage this historical perspective:
- Invest in Next-Gen Sensors: Keep an eye on advancements in quantum sensing, optical communication receivers, and ultra-low-power detectors.
- Prioritize Signal Integrity: Develop robust error-correction codes and signal processing techniques to extract maximum information from weak signals.
- Embrace Miniaturization: Continue pushing the envelope for smaller, more power-efficient sensor modules for edge computing and mobile applications.
- Foster Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: The breakthroughs in space often find applications in medicine, communications, and consumer electronics. Encourage collaboration.
What Would You Do?
Your company is developing a new satellite constellation for global internet coverage. However, the cost of powerful transmitters is skyrocketing, and the power draw is impacting payload capacity. You need a way to receive signals reliably from billions of small, low-power user devices, even in challenging atmospheric conditions, without massive ground stations.
Think of it. You’re miles from shore, the waves are building, and your trusty engine decides it’s time for a nap. Stranded. Adrift. Vulnerable. This isn’t just a bad dream; it’s a real risk every boater faces. But what if you could deploy a device that acts like an underwater parachute, instantly transforming your boat’s behavior and giving you back control?
Pro Tip: Always practice deploying and retrieving your Para-Anchor in calm conditions. Knowing how it behaves and how to handle it under pressure can be the difference between a controlled situation and panic.
The key is understanding your boat’s behavior and the specific conditions you’re facing. But having a Para-Anchor means you have a powerful tool to manage that behavior.
| Feature | Traditional Anchor | Sea Anchor (Storm Drogue) | Para-Anchor (Drift Anchor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Holding position at rest | Severe storm survivability | Drift control, stabilization |
| Deployment | Bow (usually) | Bow (usually) | Bow or Stern |
| Orientation | Variable | Head to wind/waves | Bow into wind/waves |
| Drift Control | Minimal | High (in storms) | High |
| Roll Reduction | Minimal | High (in storms) | Moderate to High |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate |
| Storage Size | Moderate to Large | Very Large | Compact |
| Engine Failure | Useless (unless drifting to shore) | Lifesaver | Lifesaver / Stabilizer |
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here’s what most boaters want to know about Para-Anchors.
How big of a boat can a Para-Anchor handle?
The effectiveness depends on the specific Para-Anchor size and the boat’s characteristics (hull shape, windage). A 24-foot diameter Para-Anchor is generally suitable for a wide range of recreational boats, from small cruisers to larger offshore vessels, especially for drift control and stabilization rather than extreme storm holding.
Is it difficult to deploy a Para-Anchor?
Deployment is generally straightforward, especially in calm conditions. It usually involves attaching a strong bridle to the anchor’s shackle, running the rode (line) to a strong point on the bow, and then deploying the anchor itself. Practicing this maneuver is key to ensuring a smooth and quick deployment when needed.
Can I use my Para-Anchor as a primary anchor?
No, a Para-Anchor is not designed to replace your primary anchor. Its purpose is to control drift and provide stabilization, not to hold your boat firmly in a specific spot against strong tidal currents or winds like a traditional anchor. Think of it as a supplementary tool for specific situations.
What kind of rode (line) should I use with a Para-Anchor?
You’ll need a strong, marine-grade line that’s rated for significant load. Nylon or polyester rope with appropriate chafe protection is common. The length of the rode is crucial – a longer rode generally provides better holding and stability. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for ideal rode length and type.
The Ingenious Bed Extension: A 1963 Game-Changer for Space-Strapped Living
Picture this: November 1963. The world was humming with change, but for many, living spaces were still a puzzle of maximizing every square inch. Enter a clever solution – a hinged, adjustable, foam-padded bed extension. This wasn’t just furniture; it was a spatial magician, designed to transform cramped rooms into functional havens.
Reclaiming Your Floor: The Daytime Advantage
Imagine a den that needed to double as a guest room, or a cozy den where floor space was a precious commodity. During the day, this ingenious extension could be neatly ‘let down’ or folded away. What did this mean for the homeowner? It meant reclaiming valuable floor space. Suddenly, that den wasn’t just a sleeping area waiting to happen; it was a functional living space, a place to entertain, a place to relax, a place to simply be without feeling like you were tripping over the next day’s bedding.
Comfort and Convenience: The Nighttime Transformation
But the real magic happened when night fell, or when relaxation called. With a simple adjustment, this hinged marvel could be ‘raised’ or extended. This transformed a compact sleeping surface into a comfortable, full-length bed. No more awkward compromises or sleeping with your feet dangling over the edge! It offered a genuine sleeping solution, proving that good design could adapt to changing needs.
More Than Just a Bed: The Multifunctional Marvel
And the cleverness didn’t stop at sleeping. This wasn’t a one-trick pony. Pulled up, the padded extension served a dual purpose, acting as a comfortable backrest. Think about it: you’re settling in for a good book in your den-guest room. Instead of wrestling with bulky pillows, this extension provided the perfect ergonomic support, turning your bed into a cozy reading nook. It embodied the spirit of multi-functional furniture that maximizes utility in minimal space – a concept more relevant today than ever in our urbanizing world.
Why This Design Still Resonates
While the specific design might seem a relic of a bygone era, the core principles are timeless:
- Space Optimization: In today’s world of smaller apartments and multi-purpose rooms, the need to make furniture work harder is paramount.
- Adaptability: Furniture that can transform its function based on the time of day or user need offers incredible value.
- Comfort as a Design Element: Integrating comfort features, like padding for reading, elevates a functional item into a desirable one.
Think about modern interpretations: Murphy beds that fold into cabinets, sofa beds that are genuinely comfortable, or ottomans that offer storage and extra seating. This 1963 invention was a pioneer in these very concepts.
Case Study: The ‘Studio Flex’ Bed System
Meet Sarah, a freelance graphic designer living in a bustling city studio apartment. Her living room is her office, and often, her guest room. Sarah invested in a modern modular sofa system with an integrated, fold-out bed extension remarkably similar in principle to the 1963 design.
- Morning to Evening: During work hours, the extension is neatly tucked away, allowing for ample floor space for her drafting table and exercise equipment. The sofa itself is her primary seating and workspace.
- Guest Arrival: When a friend visits for the weekend, the transformation is swift. The extension unfolds, creating a comfortable queen-sized sleeping area within minutes. The padded backrest, when detached and repositioned, even doubles as a makeshift headboard.
- The Result: Sarah’s small studio feels significantly larger and more functional. She avoids the clutter of a separate guest bed and enjoys a seamless transition between work, leisure, and hosting.
Sarah credits her ‘Studio Flex’ system with allowing her to live comfortably and affordably in a prime urban location without sacrificing functionality. It’s a testament to how smart, adaptable furniture design can genuinely improve quality of life.
The Evolution of Space-Saving Furniture
This simple bed extension paved the way for a wave of innovative furniture. Designers continue to push the boundaries, creating pieces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The demand for furniture that can adapt to the dynamic needs of modern living is only growing. Whether it’s a hidden bed, a transforming table, or a modular seating system, the goal remains the same: to make the most of the space we have.
Key Takeaways for Modern Design
What can we learn from this vintage innovation?
- Simplicity is Key: Often, the most effective solutions are the most straightforward.
- Dual-Purpose Design: Look for opportunities to make furniture serve more than one function.
- User Needs First: Understanding how people actually use their space is crucial for effective design.
This 1963 invention, though perhaps quaint by today’s standards, was a brilliant solution to a perennial problem. It reminds us that thoughtful design can unlock extraordinary utility, even in the smallest of spaces.
The Workshop Game-Changer: One Motor, Three Tools, Endless Possibilities!
A Tale from the Past: Ingenuity in 1963
Picture this: it’s November 1963. The world is buzzing with innovation, and in workshops across America, woodworkers were wrestling with a common enemy – limited space. Enter a stroke of genius that would fundamentally change how many tackled their projects. This wasn’t just another piece of machinery; it was a revolutionary woodworking tool that packed the punch of three, all powered by a single, clever motor. Imagine the freedom! You could seamlessly transition from sawing to planing to sanding with just a simple adjustment – a twist of a handle that would settle into one of three distinct positions. This wasn’t just a mechanical trick; locking that handle in place automatically engaged the drive shaft with the specific tool you needed. Pure, unadulterated workshop magic!
Why This Single-Motor Marvel Still Matters Today
Fast forward to today. While technology has undoubtedly marched on, the core principles of efficiency and space-saving are more relevant than ever. For the home hobbyist with a two-car garage that doubles as a storage unit, or the burgeoning small business owner watching every penny, a machine that consolidates multiple functions is a dream come true.
Think about the benefits:
- Space Efficiency: This is the most obvious win. Instead of dedicating floor space to a separate table saw, a thickness planer, and a disc/belt sander, you have one compact unit. This frees up valuable real estate for material storage, assembly, or simply a more comfortable working environment.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing three separate, quality machines can be a significant investment. A single-motor, multi-tool unit often comes in at a fraction of the cost, making professional-grade capabilities accessible to a wider audience.
- Simplified Operation: While each tool still requires its own learning curve, the fundamental setup and power source remain the same. This can reduce the intimidation factor for beginners and streamline workflow for experienced users.
- Reduced Downtime: Fewer machines mean fewer points of potential failure. Maintenance is often consolidated, and troubleshooting becomes less complex.
Making the Switch: What to Look For
If you’re considering adding a multi-tool to your arsenal, here’s what seasoned pros keep an eye on:
- Build Quality: Look for robust construction. Cast iron components are a good indicator of durability and reduced vibration, leading to cleaner cuts and finishes.
- Power: Ensure the motor has enough horsepower for the tasks you intend to perform. A 1.5 to 2 HP motor is a common sweet spot for many home workshop applications.
- Ease of Transition: How quickly and securely can you switch between tools? Look for intuitive locking mechanisms and minimal setup time.
- Dust Collection: As with any woodworking machine, effective dust collection is crucial for health and a clean workspace. Check the machine’s dust port size and integration.
- Brand Reputation & Support: Research the manufacturer. Are they known for quality and do they offer good customer support and readily available parts?
Scenario: The Weekend Warrior’s Dilemma
Meet Dave. Dave’s a passionate woodworker who dreams of building custom furniture, but his garage is bursting at the seams. He’s got a solid jigsaw, a decent hand plane, and a jury-rigged sanding setup. He wants to take his projects to the next level – think precise table saw cuts and perfectly smooth planed surfaces – but he knows buying a full-sized table saw and a dedicated planer will consume the last bit of his precious workshop space and blow his budget. He sees a used 3-in-1 woodworking machine online. It promises to be a table saw, a jointer, and a planer/sander, all driven by one motor. It looks a bit dated but appears sturdy.
What would Dave do? Would he pass it up due to concerns about performance, or would he seize the opportunity for a space and budget-saving upgrade?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3-in-1 woodworking machines as good as separate tools?
It depends on your needs and expectations. For hobbyists and light-duty professional work, they can be excellent. They offer incredible value and space savings. However, for high-volume production or extremely demanding tasks where ultimate precision is required for every cut, dedicated, high-end single-function machines might still have an edge. The key is to match the machine’s capabilities to your specific requirements.
What kind of maintenance is typically required?
Maintenance is generally similar to individual tools but consolidated. This includes keeping the blades sharp, ensuring fences and guides are clean and aligned, lubricating moving parts, checking belts for wear, and cleaning out dust collection systems. Regular inspections and a good cleaning routine go a long way.
Are these machines safe to operate?
Like any power tool, safety is paramount. These machines require the same respect and adherence to safety protocols as their single-function counterparts. Always use appropriate safety gear (eye protection, hearing protection, dust masks), read the manual thoroughly, understand how to properly switch between tools, and never force the material. Ensure all guards are in place and functioning correctly.
Can I find replacement parts for older models?
This can sometimes be a challenge with older or less common models. It’s wise to research the availability of parts for a specific brand and model before purchasing, especially if buying used. Some manufacturers maintain good parts inventories, while others may not. Sometimes, generic parts or even custom fabrication might be necessary for very old machines.
The Takeaway: Smart Design for Smart Work
The ingenuity displayed in 1963 continues to resonate today. A single motor driving multiple tools isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a smart, practical, and often budget-friendly solution for maximizing efficiency in the workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your woodworking journey, embracing this concept can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity, proving that sometimes, less (in terms of machinery footprint) can truly be more.
July 1963…
One-man electronic garage parks cars by pushbutton.
Theater-goers in New York’s Times Square have something new to talk about: a garage that can park or unpark 27 cars in 10 minutes with only one attendant on duty. It’s all done by pushing a button and it works this way:
Drive up in your car onto a receiving platform, get out, and you’re handed a key. (It’s your receipt, keeps anyone else from handling the car.) The lone attendant then presses a button and automation goes to work. Before you’ve left the building, long fingers have reached under the car and transferred it to an elevator that deposits it in its designated pigeonhole.
Getting it back is just the reverse. The insertion of your key sends the elevator to your car’s stall to bring it down.
Speed-Park garage holds 270 cars. Two special Otis elevators handle the chores.
The Angler’s Dilemma: One Hand for the Rod, One Hand for the World
Beyond the Concept: Real-World Applications and Benefits
Comparing Your Options: Beyond the Single Oar
Making the Switch: Considerations for Implementation
What Would You Do? An Angler’s Dilemma
Reclaiming Your Cast, One Hand at a Time
By Norman Carlisle (1963)
Now inventing is easier than ever… Here’s how new materials, ready-made for the inventor, can start those royalty dollars flowing in.
What’s happening to the independent inventor? Is he a dying breed, losing out in the face of competition from team research in the big industrial labs?
Not at all. The Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Research Foundation setting out to look into the whole business of who’s doing the inventing in America today, found that, in the past decade, 40 percent of all patents went to independents – men working alone. The Yankee ingenuity that has always made Americans the most innovative on earth is breaking out all over the place.
“The ranks of basement investors run a wider gamut than ever,”
was the way John Tigrett, perhaps America’s leading invention broker, put it to me. Among the 16,000 idea-getters Tigrett deals with each year, he lists lawyers, teachers, truck drivers, housewives, journalists, engineers, airline pilots, and business executives –a full occupational and educational spectrum.
Moreover, the inventions developed by individual inventors, most of whom have never seen the inside of a research lab, cover an impressive range, from tricky gadgets to processes that are changing whole industries.
Some have earned a few thousand dollars, some are bringing in royalties that run into millions. Inventing is not easy – there are problems that lie between the bright idea and the checks in the morning mail, among them the fact that it takes about three years to get a patent. But in many ways inventing is easier than it used to be.
Everybody’s in the act these days. Truck drivers, business executives, housewives, pilots – they’re all busy inventing new gadgets.
Whether you’re a weekend home workshop tinkerer or a trained technical man who chooses to go it alone, you’ve got factors working for you. Some areas, of course, are the almost exclusive province of big-lab research. You’re probably not going to develop another nylon, discover a new plastic, or make a portable reactor in your basement. But the very fact that team research is turning out so many new products – plastics, metal alloys, wonder chemicals, transistors, miniaturized batteries, and a host of other materials and devices – gives you new inventive opportunities.
I got dramatic evidence of how they’re being used by today’s independents when I investigated the experiences of more than 100 currently active, successful inventors.
BUILDING A PAPER HOUSE
Take Harold Humes and his paper house. Humes, a writer with a technical turn of mind, didn’t have to invent the makings for his new kind of dwelling. That was done for him by chemists for the big concerns that turn out treatments for making paper water-, fire-, vermin-, and just about anything proof. When Humes got the idea that such paper would make a fine summer cottage or low-cost house for underdeveloped areas, all he had to do was design corrugated, honeycombed panels and work out a method of fastening them together with metal strips.
It took a lot of doing, of course, before Humes solved all the problems of making paper pillars, floors, and roofs – but he had all the ingredients and the help of the companies that manufacture them. The result is 27 different patents or patents applied for.
Huffing and puffing weren’t required to test inventor Harold Humes’ paper house. The work on the materials had already been done for him.
A Texan named Edwin Foster has struck it rich by finding new uses for the marvelous alloys of the steel metallurgists. Among his 50 recent patents are many for special steel springs, which Foster has found a way to coil. They are employed in such items as long steel tape rules (Foster’s springs are used in all that run over 12 feet) and the hose-retracting mechanism used on new gasoline pumps in service stations.
When an aluminum window got stuck, Foster figured that “there must be a better way to get this thing up.” There was. Foster did it with a ribbon of stainless steel, a device now widely used.
When Foster saw how easy it was for electric irons to get pushed off ironing boards or to be forgotten on them, he dreamed up another spring device. It lifts an iron off the board as soon as the user lets go. This invention, sold to a big appliance maker and now in production, took years of work on Foster’s part. But his job of making a spring that could lift when required to do so, but not resist the ironer, was made easier by the availability of the special type of steel used.
SCULPTURE IN A KIT
A new plastic resin brought New Yorker Charles Powell’s invention to reality. Powell had hit on an idea for making anyone a sculptor. There was nothing new about a figure assembled by joining pre-molded plastic components together. They had long been on the market. The trouble was that when you got them together they looked like what they were. Powell had a better idea: Let the person assemble the parts and then cover them with a material that would hide the joints. What kind of material? Powell didn’t know, but he thought that the answer was to embed small particles of wood, metal, or stone in some kind of paint like plastic that would set after application. He found a chemical company that made a vinyl resin that could serve as the binder he wanted. A ⅟16- to ⅟18- inch coating, applied with a brush, made a piece of sculptor look like the real thing. The sculpture was weighted by sand poured through an opening, which was covered by the coating.
Simple? Yes, but it was a patentable invention which, while it may not make Powell rich, will certainly give him a handsome return on his time.
In recent years a number of research labs have come up with new types of cement and glues = marvels of stickiness that will fasten almost anything to almost anything. They’ve been a boon to home craftsmen, industry, and amateur inventors.
James Severino of Encino, California, decided that the method of installing electrical conduits, receptacles, and outlets with nails, screws, or clamps was pretty crude. Why not cement them on? The system he devised is beautifully simple. The wiring units are coated with cement that stays sticky when covered with plastic. To install them, you just peel off the plastic covering and push the unit into place. There it stays, fastened for good. Patentable? It was, as patent No. 3,029,303 attests. Plastics are a happy medium for many independent inventors. Joseph Kitson of Connecticut was impressed with the marvels of polystyrene bubble-type plastic and with it invented a new form of building material. His patented discovery consists of a method of filling the bubbles with a fluid grout after panels of the plastic are in place in the building. He’s hit on a scheme that gives structural strength to a light, and easily handles the material.
SLEEPER
A Minnesota physician, Robert Horton, has the gratitude of many parents now getting a good night’s sleep. With the help of plastics, miniature batteries, and transistors, he invented a device that put squalling babies to sleep in a couple of minutes.
Noticing that babies are soothed by a humming noise, Dr. Horton tracked down the sound they like best—B flat. A few years ago he’d have been stumped by just how to make a gadget small enough and safe enough to utilize this discovery. It was no problem today. A buzzer that gives the right vibration, a tiny battery, a transistor to cut power demands and give it a 2,500-hour life, and a neat, smooth, plastic housing suitable for placing in a baby’s crib were the ingredients that gave the doctor his now widely sold Slumbertone.
The miniature battery that powers Horton’s baby-comforting buzzer is one of the hottest ready-made invention components ever to emerge from the big labs. Independent inventors have used them to power everything from pencil sharpeners to swizzle sticks. At least 100 battery-powered toys – games, tanks, planes, submarines, boats, and animals – are the brainchildren of freelancers.
Silencing the baby (without violence) is easy with a box that produces a steady B-flat hum. Transistors made invention possible.
COMBINING THE PARTS
An invention that’s typical of the way inventors profitably team up peanut batteries and small electric motors is that of Ingle McAda of Wichita Falls, Texas. He took an ordinary duck decoy and installed a propeller shaft, a small electric motor, and a battery. His tethered duck decoy could thus be moved realistically. His patent is broad enough to cover plastic decoys of his own design, but McAda got a running start by using existing ones.
Invention for the birds: These mobile duck decoys with motors and propellor shafts use tiny batteries and motors on the market.
While new developments offer virgin territory, a lot of successful inventors advise: Don’t ignore older materials and devices. Plenty of opportunities await the alert amateur who is aware that big-business researchers can miss some pretty big bets.
Offhand, you’d hardly think there was any new way to exploit the small gasoline engine, yet Harry Leedom, a California engineer, found one. He evolved a unique wheel-power combination in which power from a small motor is delivered directly to a wheel by a belt running in a deep groove in the circumference of the rubber tire. Leedom’s powered wheels in various sizes, along with the forks and brackets that adapt them to everything from scooters to cultivators, are now in production.
NO PATENT PROBLEM
A question frequently asked by would-be inventors who would like to use ready-made parts is the one about patents. Isn’t it harder to get a patent on a device that utilizes components previously patented? The answer is no. An amendment to the patent law, passed in 1952, says, “Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor.” Furthermore, the definition of that word “process” is spelled out to include “a new use of a known process.”
Another practical question is “Where do you obtain the makings for an invention?” You’ve dreamed up something that calls for a particular kind of plastic – how do you find a manufacturer of the stuff you need?
The answer’s prettv simple. If you don’t find it on the shelves of your local hardware store, and you don’t see a suitable company listed in the telephone book, you turn to the inventor’s friend, Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers.
If you live in a town of any size, your local public library is likely to have it. In its 9,030 pages you will find the names of everybody who makes anything. An index will lead you to the right page. You can then contact the manufacturer and get the names of dealers or suppliers, or such product information as you need.
HELP FROM MANUFACTURERS
This can be a wonderful lubricant to easing your invention along its way. Most companies, and all big ones, publish reams of technical literature, full of hints for inventors. For instance, Bakelite’s “Technical Release No. 12” gave (Charles Powell the information he needed about the company’s polymerized vinyl resin to make possible his do-it- yourself sculpture.
The help may go beyond printed literature to discussions with company technical representatives, especially if your invention gives promise of providing a sizable market for the company product.
“A technical reps” says Harold Hones, who estimates he talked to a couple of dozen of them in developing his paper house, “can be a gold mine of information for the inventor.”
Just how much company information can help an inventor is demonstrated by the experience of Michael Meyerberg, a New York theatrical producer who though American women deserved decent light to put on their make-up. Even in the theatre Meyerberg hadn’t seen a properly lighted make-up mirror. Fluorescent lights of low wattage around the mirrors didn’t provide enough light or distribute it right. Incandescent lamps of sufficient wattage were too hot; low-wattage incandescents didn’t give enough light.
Meverberg got in touch with GE. Sure company engineers told him, they had just the thing—a 15-watt lamp, with a special frosting inside, that gave a strong, diffused light but didn’t get hot.
“I had my invention made the minute I found out about that lamp,” he says.
He rigged up a compact, three-part mirror suitable for theatre or home use, mounting five of the bulbs on each post and four above the center mirror. That was all there was to it—but it won him a patent.
MORE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WAY
One think is sure. The basement inventor isn’t going to run out of opportunity. Thermoelectric plates, to deliver power without batteries or outside source; new plastics like Delrin, which is tough enough to secure automobile parts; pinhead-size microphones that can make all kinds of mechanisms respond to the spoken command – the list of new developments that are almost wholly unexploited is growing daily.
Among them will you find the makings for your million-dollar invention?
[End of article]
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