National Inventors Month – Celebrating Great "Everyday" Inventions

For those of us involved in the world of inventing, August is a special month – it's National Inventor's Month! We at InventHelp® are excited that this time is set aside to celebrate the achievements of innovators and entrepreneurs, although we feel that 31 days is not nearly long enough to get the job done right!

Read InventHelp's "National Inventors Month" tribute

2006 ERA Invention Showcase Preview

If you ever watch television, chances are you've seen (or even bought) a product from a home shopping program. At INPEX® 2006, members of the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA) conducted product reviews for exhibitors. Now, a number of inventors from this year's show are gearing up to head to Las Vegas for the 16th Annual ERA Conference & Exposition, held at the Mirage in Las Vegas, September 10-12, 2006.

Learn more about the 2006 ERA Invention Showcase

Who received the first U.S. patent?

On July 30, 1790, Samuel Hopkins obtained the first U.S. patent. However, some people confuse this Samuel Hopkins with another. The Samuel Hopkins who acquired the first patent was born and lived his entire life in Maryland. Yet another Samuel Hopkins who lived in Pittsford, Vermont and Pittsford, New York often receives credit for obtaining the first patent. To confuse things even more, two historical markers commemorating Samuel Hopkins for his place in patent history have been erected – in the two Pittsfords!

The Samuel Hopkins who actually did acquire the first patent discovered a new method of producing potash – a crude form of potassium carbonate that is derived as residue when wood ashes are repeatedly boiled. It is an essential ingredient of glass, soap and gun-powder.

Read more invention trivia from InventHelp®