Invention Help

Category: Inventions

  • Marconi’s Invention

    For many years, in fact, before many of us were born, the radio existed. We do not have a reason to ask where it comes from or why it works, as long as it is playing that which we love, why ask questions? The reality is though that discovery of electromagnetic waves dates back to September 1895.

    A young man, at the age of 21, by the name of Guglielmo Marconi discovered that electromagnetic waves could be transmitted and that an antenna could receive a signal. During Marconi’s first experiment, distances did not exceed 100 meters and the electromagnetic waves were sent in straight lines without any intervening objects.

    This was the beginning of something magnificent.

    Marconi wanted to show that electromagnetic transmission is possible even with an obstacle in the way; this theory was rejected by scientists who said that his idea of using ether was preposterous and that it simply just could not be done. The scientists were working with theory but Marconi would rather just practice his technique.

    Marconi was performing all of his experiments at his father’s estate. He decided to place a transmitter near to the estate and a receiver more than 5 miles away, at the back of a hill. This was most definitely the biggest intervening obstacle.

    Mignani was Marconi’s servant, he was instructed to stand at the receiver and fire a rifle shot should the signal be received. Sure enough, a rifle shot fired and the letter ‘S’ of the Morse alphabet traveled through space for the first time in history.

    Unfortunately, Marconi’s invention was not received well by everyone and this included Italy, the minister of the country had said that electromagnetic waves were in no way suitable for telecommunications. Marconi knew that his discovery was something great, he traveled to the place his mother was born, England, and here he was supported and financed for furthering and bettering his creation.

    Marconi’s invention was patented in 1897; he continued with his experiments and eventually found himself sending signals for over 150 miles. This is what was known as radiotelegraphy.

    Marconi’s invention inspired many other people, after his death in 1943 Marconi left behind individuals who had learnt about the possibilities in this world, about the existence of that which we cannot see.

    Marconi’s patents have established many problems and many people claim to have invented items patented under Marconi, but in the end, radiotelegraphy changed our world and it was because of this magnificent man. It may have started as a project in the garden but it is now a main source of communication for people all around the world.

    Truly an invention like none other.

  • Chemical Process Invention

    When we hear the word “invention”, the first thing to come to mind is usually images of new and innovative gadgets. We often think of inventions as being easily identifiable, tangible objects geared towards making our lives easier.

    While it’s true that the nature of invention is to improve, refine or even reinvent the way we do things, it’s not always immediately obvious when we’re benefiting from someone’s invention.

    A commonly overlooked area of innovation is the advances made in the world of materials, such as the invention of a chemical process or the development of altogether new.

    With the development of any new invention or idea comes the need to protect the inventor’s hard work. Especially in the realm of chemical process invention or the composition of new materials, many years of research and testing may be involved.

    Without the protection of a patent, inventors are at risk of having others benefit (and profit) from their labors without fair credit.

    Innovations involving new or re-engineered materials can be protected in various ways.

    Composition of matter claims protect new, or significantly altered materials.

    An inventive use claim would protect innovations in the way existing materials are used. Process claims protect the interests of inventors who develop new ways of creating or working with materials.

    A brand new material, such as a new synthetic, could fall under the “composition of matter” category. Whether it’s a new blend of fabrics to create an altogether new fabric, or a new mixture of metals forming a revolutionary alloy, composition of matter inventions can have a profound impact on the way things are done.

    Changes in manufacturing processes can sometimes lead to significant changes in the material being produced, sometimes even enhancing its traits and qualities.

    Coming up with new ways to use known materials can also be protected under patent. While many materials are only used in very specific ways, there are often other potential applications that simply never occur to people.

    These discoveries can often occur by accident. A person using a material in a new way to temporarily solve a problem could open the doors to a wealth of possible applications that were simply never considered before.

    After coming up with an innovative idea about the use of a known material, an inventor can apply for a patent to protect the new process invention.

    The actual chemical process used to manufacture materials can also be protected by patent laws. An innovator who devises a more effective or cost efficient way to manufacture a known material can file for a patent to protect his work.

    The invention of a chemical process could include things such as new base ingredients, altered methods of treating materials, even adjusting variables such as heat levels or reaction times.

    The process of inventing a chemical process takes a lot of work and specific knowledge, which is why it’s critical for an inventor to protect his efforts by applying for a patent.

    There are often no clear boundaries between the various categories. A chemical process invention concerning the manufacture of an existing material could lead to the creation of an altogether new one.

    New ways of using existing matter could lead to innovations in which materials are used in its manufacture.

    Regardless of category, the process of inventing new processes or materials can be time-consuming, labor intensive and extremely rewarding.

  • Show Me The Latest Invention

    If you do a web search on “the latest inventions”, you’ll see immediately that many people across the world are working on new inventions, to perform an endless number of tasks.

    Our innovative nature has led us to make astounding leaps and bounds in technological advances, and we’re constantly dreaming of new ways to do new things.

    So, if you were to sit at your computer and think, “Show me the latest invention,” you might get something like:

    A new way for people with disabilities to interact with their computers, simply by moving their heads

    A shoe protector that keeps hair from getting in the shoes of barbers and beauticians.

    A way to send a CV via SMS.

    It doesn’t take long to realize that there are inventions of every conceivable sort being developed every day. People develop new things for many different reasons. Perhaps one person is trying to think of ways to make their his own life easier.

    Meanwhile, another wants to invent something that helps her businesses run more efficiently. Someone might be trying to think of ways to help the world in general, or perhaps just come up with a solution that is only useful to them.

    Whatever their motivations, innovators all have one thing in common – they’re all dreaming up new ideas.

    Many people dream of inventing something, but have no idea where to start. Whether you have a specific idea of what you want to create, or just want a way to think of something new, exploring the work of others can help get those creative juices flowing. There are websites that list recent patent applications, or showcase innovative new designs.

    Just going over various inventions – or even reviewing products that have been around forever – can get the gears turning. If you’re looking for a new idea, visiting sites where people complain about problems with products or look for help with something can help you brainstorm ideas about issues that need to be solved or things that need to be improved. Keeping a notebook handy for jotting down thoughts and ideas helps you remember them later, when you have time to think about them in more detail.

    Once you’ve decided on an idea to develop, the real work begins – bringing the idea from a vision to reality. Depending on your choice, this can involve any number of steps, but this is often the most exciting (and most challenging) part of the invention process.

    It’s also a process full of trial and error, occasional frustration and sleepless nights. In the end, however, when you finally figure out the best approach and develop a new innovation, any headaches along the way are soon forgotten.

    Well, until the patent application process, at least!

    Inventing can sometimes feel like a lonely process, often involving long hours of research, troubleshooting or planning. Message boards dedicated to inventors can provide fellow innovators a way to connect with each other, share ideas, and guide one another through the process.

    Experienced inventors can help guide newcomers through the process, and even provide valuable advice about the patent process.

    Whether you’re looking for someone to show you their latest inventions or a shoulder to lean on while you finish the patent application, getting good support makes the process much easier.

    History shows, the latest invention is never the last invention. The enterprising and pioneering human spirit means that everyday people, like you and me, will always be looking for new ways to make a difference – whether a small change or a major influence.

     

  • Invention Ideas For Kids

    Children need to been inspired to become something great and wonderful in their lifetime. This is possible with any child from any background. One way to aspire for success is to become an inventor but how to go about it can be very tricky.

    As adults and parents, coming up with invention ideas for kids may stimulate their thinking skills and in turn bright ideas are born.

    Invention ideas for kids can come at anytime of life and absolutely anywhere. Thinking of ideas for inventions can come whilst driving in a car; they can come about from an activity at school or even from feeding the dog.

    As parents, you may feel that it is important to want your children to succeed, however, it must be remembered that it should be at the pace they choose and that they should never be forced into doing anything that they do not enjoy.

    When a person is happy and you really want to do something exciting you have a better chance of succeeding at that activity than would be if you were forced to do it.

    Children have vivid imaginations and come up with new ideas every day, the problem is that as adults we tend to see the idea and its craziness and look past the possibilities. Encouraging your children to come up with inventions means encouraging them to embark on a process of critical thinking.

    Independence will raise children’s self-esteem and confidence levels. Invention ideas for kids start with brainstorming, this can be fun and getting the whole family involved provides for some quality time too.

    Invention ideas for kids does not have to be an apparatus, it can be a new method of figuring things out. Children could ask questions such as the following, ‘what do I have that can maybe be improved?’, ‘how can I eat ice-cream without it melting so quickly?’, etc….. No idea is a stupid idea an each one is possible within a realistic border, that is, the components for making the apparatus exist or the actual item to be reinvented is real.

    An invention is successful not only when other persons know about it but when it has made a difference to the original problem. To invent one should look at the problems with the things you use today and find ways of improving them. Children are magnificent creators of tomorrow, new invention ideas will allow your children to start to think critically on a daily basis, to want to create something nobody else has ever thought of.

    Did you know there’s a whole site dedicated this topic? Go to kids invention ideas for more information.

  • Invention Of The Radio

    The invention of the radio was one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century

    However, the radio invention was, and still is, surrounded in controversy.

    At least three inventors lay claim to the invention of the radio. They are Nikola Tesla, Guglielmo Marconi and Alexander Popov. Many people credit the Italian Marconi with the radio invention, but academics and writers (and the US Supreme Court in 1943) are beginning to give the credit to Tesla, a Serbian scientist and inventor (who immigrated to America).

    In the early 1890s, Tesla invented a device known as a Tesla coil, which trasmitted high frequency and high voltage current through the air.

    Tesla realised that the same concept could apply to radio signal resonations and began experimenting with a radio apparatus. If he had marketed his inventions more effectively (and in some ways more secretively), he would have gained more credit. Problem was that Tesla was a terrible businessman, and allowed others to gain credit for his inventions (including Thomas Edison and Marconi).

    In 1895, Marconi, probably having read Tesla’s articles and learned about his technology, modified Tesla’s findings somewhat to produce a crude radio trasmitter and receiver. That year he sent and received a radio signal in Italy. For publicity purposes, he also sent a trasmission across the English Channel.

    Further advances were made to the invention of the radio. In 1906 the American Reginald Fessenden transmitted both music and speech through the airwaves.

    However, it wasn’t until the sinking of the Titanic that radio transmission really took off. Ships at sea realized the need for communication with land. It was the 1920s when improvements to the invention of the radio finally lead to the introduction of radio stations. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the first genuine radio station was set up. Within years, hundreds of others sprang up around the US and Europe.

    Also be sure to check out Marconi’s invention for another take on the invention of the radio.