Great Inventions, Part II

Have you ever thought about inventing. Have you ever thought about coming up with an awesome invention. We asked some of the greatest inventors to share a little bit about their products and life.

As you can see, being an inventor can be successful. Here are some of their thoughts.

When I was about to tour overseas with a new CD in the late 90's I wished I had an attractive hat or bandana for bad hair days. Unable to keep a bandana on my head, I wondered why no one had invented a bandana with a headband. Fastforward 7 years later, I decided to come up with one myself. Starting out with a single-sided style in various colors, I added many additional features to my original idea before applying for a utility patent in January, 2005. The most versatile style is reversible, can be positioned two ways on the head and has a unique 3-way visor, making 12 different looks possible. There also is a larger style that has an attached inner cap that is useful for those with hair loss and/or those who need extra protection from the elements.

In December 2006 I registered the name "Bandana Hat".. and I believe this is just as important as getting a patent. The styles that I handcrafted over a 3 year period are on sale at 1/2 off and are available on my website: http://www.bandanahat.net It is my goal to find a company to license my product. I personally wear one most every time I leave the house (have them in all colors) and get many compliments on them.

Judy Welden www.bandanahat.net

MISSION: Our MISSION is to develop non-invasive, therapeutic massage innovations that help minimize the intensity and frequency of muscle pain. Muscle Angels helps chronic muscle pain sufferers get back to enjoying their daily activities; Muscle Angel MassagersTM help people "Get Back to Living!"

PRODUCTS: Muscle Angels massage PRODUCTS work to reduce muscle pain, and increase flexibility, circulation and mobility. This objective is achieved by combining three effective massage therapy techniques including: MyofascialTriggerPoint • Acupressure • DeepTissueMassage.

Muscle AngelsTM VISION is to help improve the quality of life for people who suffer from chronic muscle tension and pain including:• Soreness and spasms • Tension headaches • Hand and arm pain • Upper and lower back pain • Piriformis syndrome/sciatica • Tight iliotibial (IT) bands • Leg cramps •Facial pain caused by temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs) • Plantar fasciitis • Referred pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia • Tendonitis and carpal tunnel injuries from computer over-use • General stress •...and more

Unlike massage therapy, however, Muscle Angel Massagers are designed to be used without the need for assistance from a partner, and even offer a hands-free solution for people who suffer from hand and arm pain and are unable to use their hands to help knead achy and tight muscles. Muscle Angel Massagers are easy-to-use, light and portable, versatile and customizable.

Susan Z. Robins www.MuscleAngelMassagers.com

Princeton Power Systems (PPS) was started in a Princeton University dorm room in 2001. Presently, PPS is a manufacturer of advanced power conversion products, including AC link, with patented control methods that provide a more reliable and cost-effective means for converting electric power cleanly and efficiently. PPS has solutions for motor control, renewable energy, distributed power generation, and military power supplies. Our products reduce energy consumption, lower peak electric usage, and provide clean, renewable energy sources with superior performance.

While PPS has a commercial product in the GTIB 100kW inverter, the company continues to perform research for various government agencies and private companies. The company´s dedication to research and development distinguishes it as a market innovator in power electronics.

Darren Hammell www.princetonpower.com

TheEnterTRAINER Armband - cardio fitness trainer for ipod users. Final Decision Maker: Anyone frustrated by their lack of motivation to exercise. The first and only fitness armband that uses your portable media player to motivate quality exercise. The built- in pulse sensor and volume controller require the user to maintain a cardio target zone in order to "pump up the volume." As heart rate falls below desired target, so does the volume of ipods, mp3 players, cell phones, gym consoles, anything that uses a standard headphone jack. The frequency and quality of any form of exercise is enhanced. Estimates are that people who use it when exercising are 80% more likely to stay at or near their target heart rate zone during the entire exercise period.

Joe Volpe www.theEnterTRAINER.com

Edith G. Tolchin, "The Sourcing Lady" (SM), "invented" EGT Global Trading in 1997, with a goal to link U.S. inventors with Asian manufacturers, to provide an exclusive import service for sourcing, quality control, production testing and CPSIA safety issues, manufacturing, international financing, air/ocean shipping, customs clearance arrangements, and dock-to-door delivery. Ms. Tolchin holds a prestigious U.S. Customs Broker License, and has extensive experience with U.S. Customs and Customs Brokers in various products and issues, including binding rulings, duty protests and drawbacks. She is a Certified Professional Member of the United Inventors Association, and an expert in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act´s requirements for the General Conformity Certificate and tracking labels.

Ms. Tolchin is co-author of "Sourcing Smarts: Keeping it Simple with China Sourcing and Manufacturing," along with Don Debelak and Eric Debelak. Edie writes freelance for Inventors Digest Magazine. She has over 35 years of international trade experience, and has worked exclusively with China and Taiwan for the past 20 years.

EGT Global Trading specializes in offshore manufacturing services for inventions of textiles and sewn-items, bags, baby and fashion accessories, unique arts & crafts items, and household inventions. Edie regularly provides presentations for inventors´ organizations and trade shows throughout the USA on topics such as "Importing Basics for Inventors™," and "Offshore Manufacturing for Inventors™."

Edith Tolchin www.egtglobaltrading.com