The Big Bang: How Fireworks Became the World's Most Popular Explosive

What's the first thing you think of when someone mentions the Fourth of July? Sure, cookouts, the Liberty Bell, apple pie and the like may come to mind, but no Independence Day festivities would be complete without one essential highlight – fireworks, of course! From modest bottle rockets and sparklers to the most extravagant aerial displays, fireworks play an essential role in helping people celebrate not only the Fourth of July, but also countless other special occasions around the globe. But who invented fireworks, and how did they become such a time-honored, worldwide phenomenon?

Read more about the invention of fireworks

Inventors Reflect on the INPEX® 2005 Experience

This past June 8-11 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, InventHelp® held its annual invention trade show, the Invention/New Product Exposition (INPEX®). For the 21st year, America's largest invention trade show provided a forum for inventors and entrepreneurs to exhibit their inventions and attempt to make personal contacts with business representatives. The show floor had a constant buzz as exhibitors sought to demonstrate their inventions, and attendees offered their feedback.

Read what inventors are saying about the 2005 Invention Show

Wishing for Innovation: 16-year-old Inventor's Dream Comes True at INPEX® 2005

While pursuing your own invention idea can garner a sense of personal satisfaction, sometimes it's just as rewarding to help others realize their dreams. That was definitely the case last month when INPEX®, America's largest invention trade show, was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For many of the INPEX® staff, the most gratifying part of the show by far was the opportunity to work with Broderick Alexander, a 16-year old aspiring inventor from Little Rock, Arkansas who suffers from sickle cell disease

Read more about Broderick's inventive wish

What invention did the most to increase summertime attendance at the movies?

Air Conditioning. Before theaters had artificially cooled air, picture shows could get rather stuffy in the summertime heat. That is until Willis Carrier conceived the idea for "controlled air" on a balmy night in 1902. The system he came up with was originally used in factories and schools, but it soon became standard at theaters – to the great delight of moviegoers.

Read more invention trivia from InventHelp®