February, 2008

New Lunar Rover

The engineers at Johnson Space Center in Houston have designed a new kind of Vehicle. It has no windows, doors or even seats. Then again, it is made to be driven on the moon.Although this isn't something I would expect to see at a car dealship anytime soon, it is still an amazing step in specialized design. read more »

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Dutch designer Egbert-Jan Trijnis Lam started his company BuroJET in 2002. Trained in Eindhoven, this artist has been hard at work since the early 90s, focusing on all things related to design. One noteworthy creation is his Plano furniture, where 2D and 3D meet for a conversation. read more »

Pepper & Salt Balls Photos ©Chef'n

I go through two or three salt and pepper grinders a year, a ridiculous number for one who cooks only three or four meals a week. Either the tops break off or the blades get dull, or the turning mechanism fails. Another kitchen tool goes to gadget hell, where nothing is recycled. read more »

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The big yellow robot in the picture above has the potential to save at least some innocent animals from being poisoned, and that's a start. The big yeller' is a high-throughput robot capable of testing thousands of cell-based chemical tests at a time, enabling toxicity results in a matter of hours, as opposed to years of animal testing. read more »

It's a well known fact that keeping your tires properly inflated has numerous benefits. But sometimes it's just inconvenient to stop and check and re-pressurize. A new tire design from Coda Development can fix that and you don't even have to stop. read more »

The gases you breathe out may provide a mirror of what's going on inside your body. In an effort to detect the minute traces of gases that may point to diseases such as cancer and asthma, researchers have developed a laser for low-cost, highly sensitive breath analysis. read more »

Whereas most of the new, awe-inspiring hotels and structures are popping up in and around Dubai, the Hareem Architects firm has just announced their plans for the Full Moon Rising and Caspian Plus hotels, which look to be one of the most incredible hotels ever built, but their chosen location is the central Asian republic of Azerbaijan. Watch out Dubai, you could have some competition on your hands.

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Animal Toy

My recent investigations into the mysteries of the United States Patent Office, well not so mysterious as it is undiscerning and undiscriminating, has unearthed a whole host of opportunistic patents. That is, the patenting of stuff we've all been doing, independent of the patent process, for centuries. And United States patent 6360693 is perhaps the best (worst?) example of this practice. read more »

The Ripple-15 faucet designed by Smith Newman is so dang cool, every house should have one. But with such a hypnotic addition I fear we'd all waste a lot of precious water that way due to excessive overuse. read more »

Scientists show how to cut a rubberband in two, and then put it back together again. read more »

E-Loremo

The Loremo (Low Resistance Mobile) was originally introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Using a 2 cylinder turbo diesel is was able to get just under 160 miles per gallon. Recently, Loremo announced a fully electric version would also be available if diesel wasn't you cup of tea. read more »

©CatLivin

You can take a cat out of the wild, but you can't take the wild out of a cat. Unless you want to mount tree branches in your home (Ooh, let me think on that!), the next best thing to satisfy his urge to climb might be a door climber. I mean, if he's climbing the walls anyway... read more »

From local dentists to chewing gum to whitening strips and major toothpaste brands, the message is clear: Take Care of Your Teeth! read more »

My Other Half wine glasses designed by Jim Rokos are an interesting experiment in cooperation. These glasses are connected via a clear tube and as such, when one person raises their drink to their lips they might meet with frustration as their own beverage drains through the tube to their partner's glass, possibly overflowing it. read more »

Taking a break from diesel power, electric vehicles are also on the rise. For a while the big developments have been overseas. Recently, there has been a surge of electric concepts from domestic manufacturers. Here are the top 8 in no particular order. read more »

Advertisers have your skin blemishes and stresses covered. The following 8 advertisers have found solutions to all of your skin worries! read more »

Caterham RS Seven

Caterham Motors has already firmly established itself in the racing world. Apparently they questioned that and decided to create something that would make it even more definite. They joined forces with RS Performance and the Caterham RS was born. read more »

E•INK WATCH

I admit it. I love watches. When I win the lottery, I’m going to go buy lots and lots of watches so I can wear something different on my wrist every day. So when I was asked to review The World’s First E•Ink Ana-Digi Watch from Phosphor—I couldn’t wait. Having read all they hype about E•Ink I figured this watch could be cool. But since cool isn’t everything, here’s the skinny on what makes this new watch tick. read more »

Comb Hair to Conceal Baldness

Today dear readers, I am turning my blog over to you. That's because I'm stumped. Is United States Patent 4022227 worthy of a patent? Do you consider this an invention? An innovation? Or did Frank and Donald Smith the "inventors" merely lay claim to something men have been doing for centuries? You decide; then let me know what you think. read more »

Splinter

It's not very often that a new car comes out and gets an almost unanimous "Why?" The introduction of Splinter, the wooden supercar did just that. Just to be fair, it was quickly followed by a "wow!" read more »

In a modern-day sea voyage, researchers plan to seek out the strongest winds in order to better understand the effect of weather conditions on the carbon cycle. read more »

The work of Dutch designer Jurgen Bey in his Kokon line might not be anything you'd want to have gracing the inside of your home, but to be a casual observer of his unusual art is another thing. Working with layers of PVC wrapping, Bey uses techniques utilized by the aviation industry to create his somewhat disturbing hybrids of classic furniture. read more »

Walking has always been a good form of exercise for our health now it's also a good way to charge our batteries. Luckily, US and Canadian scientists have created Knee Dynamo, a special knee brace that charges batteries while walking. Think of the possibilities. read more »

What has inflatable lightweight mirrors and captures the same amount of energy from the sun, as traditional flat panel PV systems, while using 500 times less solar cell material? Cool Earth's cool Solar Balloons do and they're about to expand. read more »

The Air Car

Last year a company called Tata motors began producing the Air-Car in India. Recently, news broke that the 1000 mile-per-fill hauler will also be making an appearance in the States.

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If you have ever driven in the rain (I'm sure most of us have) you know that although windshield wipers are a blessing, when they don't work they are more of a curse. A concept car named the Hidra may change the way you see your wipers. read more »

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From US DODOur Guest Blogger, Jack Robinson, is an Infantry Platoon Sergeant in the US Army, just home from 15 months in Iraq. He writes on a variety of subjects, from politics to off-roading, from religion to mixed martial arts. He is a Soldier who writes. In seven years, he would like to be a writer who used to soldier. He wanted to share the latest innovations used by the military with the readers of InventorSpot.com.

Here's his article:

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Pizza is a favorite food and guilty pleasure for many. Check out these 10 great everything pizza ads! read more »

Researchers have developed self-cleaning wool, where all that is needed to get rid of stains and dirt is sunlight. Instead of throwing your clothes in the washing machine, you'd just hang them up in the sun for a few hours. read more »

Have you ever had a moment where you slap your forehead and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" The Fusion Table, which combines a standard dining table with a hidden pool table underneath, may produce some forehead-slapping moments. So incredibly simple in design while also an obvious space-saver, this clever invention brings a new meaning to the idea of clearing the table. read more »

Our Guest Blogger, Andrew Knight, J.D., is a Registered Patent Agent, graduate of MIT and Georgetown Law, university instructor, and owner and inventor of 13 issued U.S. patents and 15 pending patent applications. He is the instructor of Do-It-Yourself Provisional Patent™ and Do-It-Yourself Patent Course™, available at www.PatentDVD.com. He had some great advice about patent rights to share with readers of InventorSpot.com.

Here's his article: read more »

Parents looking for baby products that don’t add a “kid feel” to the house, will love Coco Plexistyle’s Baby Bloom. read more »

Cure for Hiccups?

We've all heard that a good fright is one way to cure a bout of the hiccups. Admittedly, that's never worked for me, but I'm not the kind of girl who scares easily. (The nutrition label on a bag of Cheetos notwithstanding.) Well it seems back in 2003, Philip Ehlinger, Jr., in the style of a pre-Discovery Channel MythBuster, or an obstinate inventor, you decide, felt this urban legend was worth validating, so he came up with United States patent 7062320 . read more »

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I'm not altogether certain of how this slick faucet-come-vase entitled Flowater works on a technical level, but I'll bet it's not something you'll be finding at your local hardware store anytime soon. read more »

Air Travel has become increasingly popular and increasingly annoying. Long waits, tight quarters and that 1 guy that always snores. Anyway, another downfall of today's air travel is the massive amount of Carbon expelled into the atmosphere everyday. A new kind of jet designed by Reaction Engine may change all of that. read more »

We've all been to a wedding reception, a business dinner, or a family gathering that's gone on a little too long. We've all seen someone who insists on making music out of wine glasses, not content to have a single but drunkenly trying to set up a whole scale of glassware. read more »

Our Guest Blogger, Samantha Marcelo, is a freelance and fiction writer living in Calgary, Alberta. Samantha has a keen interest in all things history-related, and wanted to share some remarkable historical inventions with the readers of InventorSpot.com.

Here's her article:

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Last year, the CBC here in Canada asked its viewers to vote on the greatest Canadian invention of all time. Among the fifty items on the shortlist were the pacemaker, basketball and the alkaline battery. Yet, the item that ranked higher than all of those three was the humble Wonderbra. read more »

Looking for a way to help little ones quench their thirst and gain independence at the same time? Look no further than the Fluid No-Spill Toddler Cupnew! read more »

If you'd like to blend a little bit of DIY with some contemporary lighting, the Cut Light by Monica Singer may be right up your alley. read more »

Diesel has been very popular in the news for the a while now, and for a good reason. We are still beginning to realize the benefit and abilities of these potent motors and the Loremo, (Low Resistance Mobile) is just another reason for us to take a closer look. read more »

You want to stick that where?

As many of you know, cow gas, or bovine flatulence (farts) and eructation (burps), is suspect when determining the factors that contribute to global warming. Why? The reason is simple: cow gas emits methane gas and according to environmentalists like EarthSave, methane is by far the most important non-CO2 greenhouse gas floating around the atmosphere and threatening the ozone layer. read more »

Engineers from Purdue University have developed a technique for producing hydrogen at a cost that would be competitive with other energy technologies. read more »

The Stunning Ring is a ring designed to ward off attackers. It is meant to be filled with pepper spray and can be activated at the push of a button. read more »

Since it's launch, OnStar has served millions of customers. Ford and a company called SkyWay Systems Inc. have teamed up to create something that could rival OnStars system. read more »

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The UXV Combatant

The oceans of the world can be just as dangerous as the frontline. The need for new technology is apparent and the US has just the ticket. Check out these warships of the future and vote for you favorite. read more »

In light of the recent full lunar eclipse, it seems only natural that attentions should turn to all things celestial. It's convenient then, that I just happened upon these lovely constellation rugs by Maude Decor, bringing heaven to earth in a vibrantly practical way. read more »

The motto of the intrepid inventor is "Build it, and they will come. With cash." Never has that saying been truer than with the USB Humping Dog, a gadget so technically pointless as to make a shaved kiwi look like a scalpel. read more »

A Dangerous Habit?

If you're anything like me, you spend an inordinate amount of time typing away at your computer. You do so knowing every keystroke brings you one step closer to a carpal tunnel disease diagnosis; every glance at the screen teases your vision with astigmatism. So you buy an ergonomic keypad and mouse pad and you force yourself to look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so. Great! But now there is something else to worry about, something that threatens the great American pastime of television viewing: B.T.N.D. or Button Thumbing Numbness Disorder. Luckily, the cure is not worse than the disease. read more »

The toy industry held its 105th annual Toy Fair this week in New York City. At the opening ceremonies, The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced the winners of 2008's, T.O.T.Y's, Toy Of The Year awards. Like the Oscars, the T.O.T.Y's are awarded to toys debuing in the prior year. Twelve T.O.T.Y.'s were awarded in eleven categories, like Best Outdoor Toy, Best Educational Toy, Game of the Year, Most Innovative Toy, Best Boy Toy, and of course, the Best Toy Of The Year! read more »

We've all seen scratch and sniff ads in our favorite magazines, but what about flip and lick ads?

Welch's will be running magazine ads this month that actually allows readers to sample its grape juice by licking the ad! read more »

USS Shiloh: SM-3 Missile Test

One of biggest stories in the news over the past week or so has been how to deal with a satellite on a collision couse with Earth. The final decision was to try and blast it right out of the sky. But, how does one go about shooting a 5000lb satellite that's miles above the surface of the earth?

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As Jim Morrison so aptly phrased it, "The future's uncertain, and the end is always near." Seems to be particularly fitting for the little plant ICU that popped up on my monitor when I found the site for Vitamin, a design company whose slogan boasts "A life less ordinary." That's if you pull through! read more »

New Diesel Technology: Cleaner and More Efficient

"Clean" and "Diesel" are 2 words that, in the past, were very rarely used in the same sentence. Thanks to new technology, diesels have become cleaner and more friendly to the environment. In fact, as more research is conducted, it is becoming clear that diesels may actually be more "Green" than Hybrids. read more »

Cell phones are a part of our everyday life and culture. So, look  at how cell phone companies integrate advertising for cell phones and cell phone service into everyday life and culture as well.

Here are 5 of the best from recent cell phone advertising campaigns:  read more »

Have you been seeking a stunning executive type? A love bug who'll cuddle all night? A constant companion or a free spirit?

Your local animal shelter may have just what you're looking for, the ASPCA's Meet Your Match™ (MYM) program. read more »

Forked Up was intended as a pointedly alternative way to store silverware, created by the cats at the Toronto-based Thout design group for their UtiliTILE line. Who needs a boring old drawer when you could have this conversation piece adorning a wall, allowing you super-easy access to all your cutlery needs? read more »

For all the social drinkers, the alcoholics and the occasional drinkers there is now a new beer in the works to help relieve some of your drinking guilt. It’s called Vitamin Beer and is laced with Vitamin B.

What’s so special about B vitamins? The benefits of B vitamins include: maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth and division, reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, and they also help fight the symptoms of stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease. read more »

Hot Wheels® cars are an essential part of childhood. I had them as a child. My husband had them as a child. And now my kids now have them. They run a couple of bucks for one.

However, this is not your ordinary Hot Wheels®. To commemorate the production of the 4 billionth Hot Wheels® vehicle, Mattel created the 18-karat white gold-jeweled car valued at $140,000. read more »

NASCAR teams rely on having the fastest car on the track, which takes long hours of reviewing diagnostics and performance data. So how do you gather data when your target is traveling over 180mph? With a really big treadmill, of course. read more »

Here's a look back at the top engineering achievements of the 20th century, and the biggest engineering challenges of the 21st. read more »

Toilet Bowl with Bull's-eye Target

I'm afraid a quick glance at my articles might give some readers the wrong impression: that I have an affinity for anything relating to bodily functions. In particular, anything people do in the bathroom. Well, those readers are wrong. That being said, today I bring you United States patent 4044405, the toilet bowl bull's-eye! read more »

Are you an artist that would just love to see your ideas pop off the page and come to life in the third dimension? The four members of Swedish design company FRONT might be able to help you out, especially in the realm of furniture design. read more »

Unusual outcropping of suspended fungi? Genetically engineered Lily-of-the-Valleys lit from within? Not quite. Not exactly a member of the plant kingdom, this lovely organic-looking fixture will delight at least two of your senses with its gentle, softly lit musical dance. read more »

Coasters have become a popular form of advertising around the world. The following coasters were used in bars around the world  to promote everything from beer to the prevention of drunk driving and hardware stores.

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Ethanol Produtcion: Without Corn

Alternative fuels have been taking a beating in the media over the last few weeks. Scientists are providing evidence that in the long run, Ethanol won't pay off. However, a new production method from Coskata may be the answer. read more »

From a thin sheet of paraffin wax and a winding cotton wick the Bravit candle is born. Designed by German-born and Eindhoven-trained Christophe van Bömmel, the Bravit is sure to provide you with at least a few hours of entertaining candlelight, as you watch several flames pop up and disappear, then reemerge as they follow their predestined paths. read more »

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Do you ever dream about the wild parties you'll have when you're 70 years old? If not, maybe you should - for the sake of your health. A new study shows that young people who view old age as a miserable time of life are more likely to engage in binge drinking, smoking, eating junk food, and other unhealthy habits than their peers who have a more positive perspective of old age. read more »

Boating can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable pastimes around. The only real problem ahead of you is getting a boat. You have a few options available to you here. You can outright buy one. You can opt to rent one. You can build one. What if a new boat is a little heavier than your wallet and you use one too much to rent? Building one is the logical choice. And thanks to a few very intelligent people, even that has become easier. read more »

Apparently, the number of TVs in an American home has now surpassed the number of the home's inhabitants, with the average adult spending five hours in front of the TV daily. So it makes sense to have plenty of options when it comes to where to put these fundamental household items. Hanging them on the wall can prove to be a major decorating inconvenience, and housing them in some huge entertainment system isn't always the best option, either. The simple, mobile TV Easel may hold the answer. read more »

The introduction of the ZR-1 Corvette brought smile's to more than a few Corvette enthusiasts. The ZR-1 package was the king of the Corvettes and showed off the best in GM design and engineering. Earlier this week, Chevy announced another "old-school" based Corvette that is sure to be another crowd pleaser. read more »

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and for those of us that have no justifiable cause to celebrate, it can prove to be an overall annoying holiday, replete with too much red and too many cavity-creating candy hearts. But here’s a heart for you that dentists would probably approve: My Beating Heart is a fuzzy source of comfort that actually mimics the rate of a human heartbeat in a meditative state. read more »

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I thought it'd be helpful to collect together some of the great articles written on InventorSpot.com and around the web in celebration of this day of love and romance. read more »

Celebrate this Valentine's Day with more than just flowers and candy. Celebrate with a healthy heart! These ads promote healthy living and their products in a eye-catching and entertaining way:

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Scientists have designed a fabric covered with nanowires that generates electric current due to any kind of motion. Wearing a shirt made of this fabric could enable wearers to power their iPods and other small devices simply with their body movements. read more »

This Valentine's Day, while others are surprising their lovers with routine island getaways, or for a lucky few, trips to romantic, and increasingly expensive Europe, wouldn't it be nice to rekindle your flame with a trip to an exotic destination?

The Nile (from WikiMedia)

These vacation spots, some undiscovered by Americans, and others now on the beaten path, but no less intriguing, are guaranteed to make anyone other beg for more. read more »

Too lazy to write your own love letter to your significant other this Valentine's Day? read more »

High power bills due to blasting the air conditioning in the summer can be a drag. Recently, researchers from the Malaviya National Institute of Technology in India have designed a natural, passive method for keeping indoor environments cool during hot summer days. read more »

101 Design is a Korean studio that has recently been making the designer circuit in Asia with their unique take on contemporary lighting and furniture. read more »

Jake of "Dog's Life"

Well, starting today, you can help the folks at MTV's Multiplayer choose the best dog or wolf (Multiplayer reminds you that both are canines.) in video gaming history!   What an opportunity! read more »

No, pun intended. A company named Rotoblock has taken a 40-year design and revamped it for use in today's demanding lifestyle. The technology, known as Oscillating Piston Engine has many advantages and practical applications. read more »

Orca Communications, a public relations firm specializing in advising inventors and small business entrepreneurs launches nationwide competition for the "Most
Innovative Consumer Product". The grand prize is a comprehensive media campaign worth $20,000 to its winner. read more »

Half C, Multi C, One C? No, I'm not talking about the latest in the world of vitamins -- I'm talking about the latest in the world of modern seating, fresh out of Sweden. Berhin Studios is redefining some ideas about contemporary seating in practical ways that in no way compromise their decorative appeal. read more »

Researchers at McMaster University in Ontario have grown light-absorbing nanowires that can absorb more energy from the sun than the silicon ones. The challenge for the researchers is to improve the nanowires' efficiency without bringing up the cost. Can they do it? read more »

If there were clothes made out of human hair would you wear it? How about hairy Jewelry? Some people wear things made out of wool, fur or leather. Is it really that out of the ordinary to use hair as a fabric? Take a look at the dresses below made from human hair. read more »

Piggy You Diet Doll

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and that means that once again you are confronted with a holiday that is likely to put a little extra meat on your bones. The irony of all this is that that extra meat on your bones often greatly decreases your chances of being someone's Valentine! So, what will you do if you've resolved not to eat any chocolates this coming Thursday? How about looking to the United States Patent Office for a couple of incentives to help you with your resolve? read more »

Dr. Natalie L. Petouhoff , our Guest Blogger, is a blonde rocket scientist. She consults with companies like Microsoft and Apple and is often asked to appear on TV talk shows commenting on technology and how it makes our life easier, better and simpler. Dr. Nat also teaches in Pepperdine's business school, coaches inventors and is the author of the upcoming book: Smart Inventors Finish Rich: Ten Steps to Reaching the American Dream.

She wanted to share some important information about the inventing process with the readers of InventorSpot.com. Here's her article:

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They've got amazing hotels, artificial islands, even an indoor ski mountain. And now, to add to the list, Dubai will become home to largest arch bridge in world when the constructions of this monster is finished in 2012. Seriously, what can't they do over there? read more »

Since the Christmas holidays, the world of video games has been fairly quiet. If you are looking forward to a particular game that is coming out in 2008, but you aren't sure what is lined up for this year, this list is for you. read more »

Mira En Tu Interior's vinyl stickers can enliven the "skin" of your walls in one fell swoop, providing some dazzling flavor to otherwise empty space. But beware: these are not for the faint of (decorating) heart. These bold designs make for some very funktified living spaces that you just can't ignore. read more »

Ford has no problem sharing the sales figures for how many trucks they move off the lot in any given year. And as most would assume, at least half of them are used specifically for or directly supporting a business. Landscapers, contractors and a handful of others often use their trucks as a mobile tool shed/garage/office. Knowing that, Ford went ahead and designed a new system for these traveling tradesmen to make their business more productive and their lives generally easier. read more »

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We all know the usual Valentine's Day suspects: roses, chocoloates, lingerie. These are the basics that will guarantee your special someone will at least be satisfied, but hardly surprised on the most romantic day of the year. However, if you are looking for a gift that is a little out there, a gift that is truly unique, take your cue from some of these wacky Valentine's Day presents that are sure to at least get your brownie points for creativity. read more »

I am a sucker for cool lighting, without a doubt. I just feel that lighting is so important - it sets the mood, adds a certain element, makes a situation more memorable by setting the stage for important events to transpire. So that's why I have to introduce this ridiculously good-looking albeit somewhat unusual lamp available through Kundalini. read more »

Effective Alarm Clock

I've read that some of the most successful inventions are those that respond to an everyday need. If that's the case, then Samuel S. Applegate holds the patent for what could be the most effective alarm clock ever. read more »

Czech designer Martin Zampach has come up with a couple of cool modular seating systems based on the idea that face-to-face interaction in this age of electronic communication is becoming somewhat of a rarity. His Sofa Community concept fosters the idea of talking to that person next to you and allows the user endless options for enlarging the social circle. read more »

The release of the Nissan GT-R brought smiles to quite a few faces across the globe. However, many of them were quickly replaced with looks of confusion and straight-up anger. The new supercar had a few "hidden" drawbacks. read more »

Bragging Rights

We have already seen the cars from Chicago, but what about the Trucks and SUV's? Chicago brought out a handful of very impressive machines and it just wouldn't be right to not show them some love. read more »

Discount Supercars?

Everyone knows when it comes to car production, the mentality is "Anything you can do, I can do better." But sometimes that kind of competition is taken a little bit too far and the result is something we will classify only as "interesting." read more »

Solar cell efficiencies are improving, and a number of solar-powered projects are popping up around the world. Here are a few highlights, including single buildings and large solar plants. Hopefully, their successors will be even bigger and better... read more »

YES! The new Roadster

Yesterday morning, the Chicago International Auto Show opened its doors for the Media to begin coverage. It will open to the public on the 8th of February. If you plan on going, here are some of the highlights from the car realm you may want to check out. read more »

Petal Pusher is the latest in a series of interactive light and textile installations created by Seattle-based artist Maggie Orth. Touching specific parts of the design vary the light levels accordingly, creating a harmonious symphony of light, pattern and tactile sensation. read more »

Musical Condom

In my previous blog, A Big, Long D*ck for Valentine's Day, I alerted you to a patent that could help you realize your manly potential. But I'm here to tell you it's not all fun and games. Today, more than ever, sexual prowess cannot occur free of responsibility. So if you love your partner, or even if you don't and you only love yourself, you owe it to yourself to practice safe sex. That's why today I am providing you with a patent that reconciles safety with fun. read more »

The Ikarus lamp was one of the highlights of the IMM Cologne Show last month. Designed by Aylin Kayser and Christian Metzner of Germany, this oddball creation is a wax lamp which gradually melts over the course of a month, completely changing shape and morphing into what resembles some kind of jellyfish or other sea creature. read more »

Next time you pull up to your local gas station, you may be greeted with a pleasant surprise at the pump. No, not a 50% discount on fuel, but a new form of full service straight from the Netherlands. And this one won't complain if you forget to tip. read more »

Many companies around the world are doing all they can to incorporate Valentine's Day into their messaging this time of year. read more »

London designer Linda Florence has stepped the idea of basic wallpaper up several notches by adding a compelling interactive element: scratch off the silvery top layer to reveal the brightly colored pattern beneath. read more »

Looking for great invention advice?

Ever wish you had a seasoned inventor that could walk you through the invention process and be your personal mentor? InventorSpot.com can't offer you that, but we can provide the next best thing. read more »

Boats have come a long way since the simple Native American row-boats. We have seen complicated sailboats, luxurious steamers and the more recent diesel powed cruise-liners. So, what's next for the world of watercraft? How about boats that fly, or boats that sink? read more »

Instant Face Lift

Although plastic surgery is America's favorite branch of medicine, many of us are still wary of going under the knife for purely vain reasons. As a result, we tend to turn to less trustworthy methods of maintaining our good looks, such as unregulated herbal supplements. That's why the next three patents are of such interest. All promise to deliver some of the benefits of cosmetic surgery without the dangers often associated with surgery. Of course, it's anybody's guess as to whether or not the results are noteworthy, but hey, it's worth a shot. read more »

Dr. Nat L. Petouhoff , our Guest Blogger, is a blonde rocket scientist. She consults with companies like Microsoft and Apple and is often asked to appear on TV talk shows commenting on technology and how it makes our life easier, better and simpler. Dr. Nat also teaches in Pepperdine's business school, coaches inventors and is the author of the upcoming book: Smart Inventors Finish Rich: Ten Steps to Reaching the American Dream.

She wanted to share some important information about the inventing process with the readers of InventorSpot.com. Here's her article:

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The Discovery Channel provides factual variety programming focused primarily on the themes of popular science, history, and general knowledge about the world. Thesre are usually showcased as documentaries globally. read more »

It sounds sort of like alchemy, but scientists from the University of Rochester have used the latest technology to turn any metal just about any color. read more »

The latest from Denver based INV/ALT design is this set of chain link magnetic cups. Perfectly sized for a couple shots of espresso, sake, or a spot of tea, these small ceramic cups come with magnets embedded in either side, so you can hang them off your refrigerator, or link them together to add a fun and functional sculptural element to your kitchen. read more »

Everyone loves a nice juicy burger fresh off the grill. But with today's hectic lifestyle, having the time to get everything set up and being able to enjoy yourself is becoming pretty rare. Thanks to a group of Iranian inventors, you can enjoy your freshly cooked burger, right after you park your car. read more »

If you're looking for a wall clock to give you the precise time at any given moment, and you're not digging the analog varieties, then the Tik Tak wall clock by Dutch designers Mirian Van Der Lubbe and Niels Van Eijk is for you. read more »

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and now is the time to start scrambling to get that unique gift for that special someone. Don't settle for roses and candy this year, check out some of these unique alternative that offer a new "gadget-twist". read more »

The Philadelphia International Auto Show kicks off today bringing both foreign and domestic as well as a few exotics. Here is just a brief overview of what's already there, going to be there and what you can do while you're there. read more »

That time of the year has arrived yet again - time to bust out the chocolates and sentiments of undying emotion, along with the bouquets. I do love me some flowers (you can save the maudlin displays, however). They seem particularly special in winter, when they are so incongruent with the snow and bitter weather outside. These vases will help make your posies all the more special, and may inspire you to keep a fresh supply of flowers coming well past Valentine's Day. read more »

Garmin is one of the top 3 portable GPS manufacturers in the world (TomTom and Magellan are the other two), and they now want to take-on the cell phone market with their new Garmin Nuvifone. Garmin hopes the Nuvifone will help catapult them into the hugely popular smart phone market in 2008. read more »

Mechanical Shower

As many of you already know, conservationists espouse the use of car washes because the facilities recycle the water used to get your vehicle looking its squeaky-clean best. Sounds like a good idea, right? But why should such a practical idea, like recycling water, be limited to cars? After all, we don't generally wash our cars everyday. We do, however, bathe our bods (I hope) everyday. Presumably then, washing ourselves is far more wasteful of a precious natural resource - one that some people argue will be the world's next "oil" - than the occasional washing of our cars. read more »

As most of us can attest, it's still winter and in most parts of the northern hemisphere it's appropriately chilly outside, despite the threat of global warming. If you are hoping to stay toasty this season without compromising your artistic sensibilities, then this wall radiator by Austrian designer Marco Dessi might be right up your alley. read more »