Idea for PLC controller vehicle or appliance...Smart Stuff!

How about using an off-the-shelf programmable logic controller (PLC) in an automobile, appliance, etc.

It seems like many of these commodities are computer controlled; yet each company or product has their own computer chip, printed circuit board, etc.  
Why not use a standard PLC in these functions instead of designing new control assemblies for each product?  

In addition, how about having standard off-the-shelf control software?  There are standard PLC’s but there does not seem to be off-the-shelf control software to use in these PLC’s – similar to ready-to-purchase personal computer programs.  Many of the functions are similar from one machine to another.  With these software control modules, most of the programming grunt-work would be done already and only need to be slightly modified for each specific product application.  Example – every vehicle should not be started while in-gear (applicable for all vehicle manufacturers) – probably no need to duplicate software programming from one manufacturer or model to another.  

Goal is to offer an off-the-shelf software control module that would install on any PLC, similar to installing a word processing or budgeting program on a personal computer.  Would save time, money, and stop re-inventing the wheel.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for industrial control systems using PLC’s, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 68/12.01, 706/1, 318/138

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Treadmill proximity detector and communicator...Keep in Touch!

For exercise treadmills, how about having a non-contact user proximity detector, instead of the usual clothing clip-on stop switch?  Would be automatic safety item to prevent people from not running fast enough – and not require runner to clip anything on.  

This new device could have an adhesive backing and fit right over the existing magnetic target on the treadmill.  No rewiring or complicated retrofit operations.  Example – stick on new device and treadmill would operate as long a person were sensed on the treadmill – plus give a warning to the runner to run a little faster if approaching the back of the treadmill track.  Maybe green, yellow, red color lights.

Also, there doesn’t seem to be headsets for folks to keep in touch while exercising – sweat/water proof, lightweight, wind-noise resistant, computer enhanced voice recognition to compensate for heavy breathing, etc.  Would make exercise more enjoyable.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for walkie-talkies, conveyor proximity detectors, car wash vehicle control systems, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 340/686, 340/556

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Vehicle Distributed Control System...wire not?...

How about using the well-known distributed control technology in automobiles and other vehicles to replace conventional wiring harnesses?  

Maybe use the stick-on switch theme in this newsletter to have stick-on control panels going to a programmable logic controller in a vehicle.  Instead of having a wiring harness, use a single co-ax communication line running from various control points within the vehicle.

By using this concept, many costs could be saved – installation, design, maintenance, wiring harness assembly, and troubleshooting.  Instead of having many opportunities for wiring malfunction, there is only one communication cable going from point to point in the vehicle.

An automobile is a machine, yet this proven machine control technology does not seem to be used.

How about a coax cable with +12 volts and ground integral to the construction of the cable – all in one.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for industrial machine control, automated trains and trams, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 307/141, 700/3

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Mailbox Scanner....Mail from home?...

For postal mail stations, how about a mailbox scanner to determine whether a mailbox has mail or not? – and automatically e-mail or call the box holder that they have mail.  These could be similar to those devices used for inventory in grocery stores – only adding the automatic notification feature.  The mail attendant would then just scan the device over the “filling side” of the mailbox to determine whether there is anything in the box and read a barcode on the box identifying the box holder.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for inventory control, automatic phone dialer, grocery store automatic checkout scanners, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 705/401, 232/35, 232/25

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Shoe Repair Machine...fixing shoes is its sole function...

How about a shoe repair machine? This machine might look like the ball cleaning machine in a bowling alley. It seems shoes mostly wear out on the heels – usually worn more on one side than the other. How about putting these worn-out shoes in this machine to apply a molding composition to the worn side – and thus return the shoe heel to its original flat condition. The concept is similar to applying a patch or retread to a tire. The machine could match original color and tread so that it looks new when done. Maybe the machine could also clean, polish, deodorize and in general return the shoe to original condition. These machines might be placed in shopping malls, airports, health clubs, and the like. The machine would refurbish your shoes while you watch.

Possible Start Building Blocks –
· Existing concepts for bowling bar refurbishing machine, automatic skate sharpening machine, tire retreading, bone grafts, etc.
· USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 12/142Q, 36/72R, D15/199

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Motorcycle or Bicycle Flashing Lights...Safety First!

How about a motorcycle flashing-headlight?  Sometimes this happens by chance when a motorcycle is going over a bumpy road or has a loose headlight mounting – but now do on purpose!  I recently have seen some motorcycles with flashing lights now, but what else could be done?  Maybe change colors?  Alternate one color to the next?

• Electrically – the headlight could be pulsed on and off – maybe the driver could vary the intensity or frequency of the pulsing when going through a hazardous area.


• Mechanically – the headlight could have a purposely-wobbly mounting similar to a walker or jogger waving a flashlight to catch the attention of a nearby motorist.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for flashlights, strobelights, flashing holiday lights, advertising signs, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 362/473, 362/475, 361/179

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Rotating Rural Mailbox

How about a carousel rotating rural mailbox? There could be multiple boxes that rotate on the top of a pedestal – one for postal mail, another one or more for newspapers, and the like. Think of a turntable type device on a post. Convenience and “one-stop shopping” for folks. Would save space, be more attractive than a line of mail/newspaper boxes. Would offer safety feature too in that delivery would be on roadside and retrieval would be on home side of this box assembly.

Possible Start Building Blocks –
· Existing concepts for mailboxes, carousels, turntables, swivel heads, etc.
· USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 232/52, 232/39

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for cost effective bus or coach - Coaching you to bus(t) out of your ideas!

To maximize space and reduce energy consumption on little-used public transportation –

• 
  How about having partitions to keep most people to the front conserving heat, lights, and maybe offer better safety? Driver could open new sections as needed.
  
• How about having a café in one of the partitions, similar to a mini-dining car on a train?
  Maybe one of the partitions could be a mini-clinic picking up folks near their home, treating them in-transit, and dropping them off where desired. Particularly helpful for disabled or limited income folks who might not have other transportation to the doctor.
  
• How about having a partition between the front seat and back seat of an automobile. If there are no back seat passengers – keep heated or cooled air up front. Would decrease energy consumption and heat/cool the usable section faster. There could be an upper partition to keep the rising heat up front and/or a lower partition to keep the cool air up front.
  

Possible Start Building Blocks –
· Existing concepts for children’s toys to practice on, old time trains cars, movable partitions used in modular offices, etc.
· USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 180/89.1, 180/14.2, 180/14.1

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for more friendly rule or tape measure...giving a good measure!

How about a more friendly rule or tape measure?

Examples –

• Calculator and tape measure all in one device.  Handy for home construction projects that require measurements and calculations.  Example – door-molding miter cut angles.  Advanced version could have measurements enter automatically into calculator.

• Tape measure that speaks the measured distance to double check what your eyes measured.  Also helpful for blind folks.  Example – seeing 4 feet 3-5/8 inches and hearing 4 feet 5-3/8 inches would alert the person of a possible error.

• Combination tape measure and GPS.  The tape measure would measure distances and the global positioning system (GPS) would provide the relative position of the measurement.  Example – measure house window sizes with this automatic tape measure and the GPS would identify which window you’re measuring.  Plus the whole ball of information could be fed automatically into computer home design software.

• A tape measure with an attached marking device – instead of having to find a pencil when you’re ready to mark.  Think of a slide rule type slider.  How about a slider that would slide on the tape measure tape.  The slider on the topside would be transparent to show the ruler markings.  The slider on the bottom-side would have a punch or marking device.  Just line up the slider dial with the desired measurement and press the slider to make a mark.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for tape measuring wheels used by highway crews, punch as used with a hammer, GPS locators, tape measures, clocks that speak the time, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 33/761, D19/65, D10/72

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Inside Pool...your own winter weekend get-away!

There are outside pools made of plastic or with a liner.  How about an inside pool, that could be setup and taken down as needed?  Maybe a good location could be the house or dorm basement.  Think of installing an above-ground outside pool in a house basement.  This could be as simple as an inflatable pool for children to a larger pool.  This concept might work for hot tub parties if the materials were heat resistant.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for children’s play pools, camp or military portable bathtubs, rural fire department portable water holder, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 4/494, 4/488, 4/513

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Funny you should ask...Idea for Fun Meter...

Are we having fun yet?  How about a fun meter?  The user could answer questions on what they are doing or not doing.  In addition, the unit could monitor body functions like eye drooping, respiration, heart rate, carbon dioxide content of breath, voiceprint, etc.  

From this data, the unit could evaluate whether the user is having fun or not.  The unit could also make recommendations on how to have more fun.  

The form could be wristwatches, PDA’s., etc.   In addition, this concept could be used to monitor fun devices like games and adjust itself to make more fun.  Also, concept might be used as an online tool to assist user’s in selecting a fun item – such as an automobile
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for lie detectors, biofeedback monitors, medical monitoring equipment, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 273/430, 273/460

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Automatic Voice Identification in Teleconferences

How about automatic voice identification of the person speaking in teleconference calls?  Usually one or more people start talking without identifying themselves.  This system would get a “voice-print” during introductions and then identify the speakers as they speak.  The speaker’s names could then be displayed on the computer screen, teleconference modules, cellular phone, or the like.  
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for surveillance tools, door entry devices, security devices, polygraphs, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 7709/204, 379/202.01

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for restaurant tray liners or placemats...just for you!

How about restaurants having one tray liner for adults and another for children?  It seems like there are only ones for children or those promoting contests.  How about a tray liner for adults with a calendar, area for notes, crosswords, etc.  In addition, there could be tray liner printers in restaurants to print liners on-site.  These liner printers could update with the latest news from the internet plus give updates on news at the restaurant.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for placemats, tray liners, double-sided printing, on-demand printing, on-site printing, newspapers, etc.


• /USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – D7/543, 229/122.32, D6/613

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for a Power Dusting Vacuum Cleaner

How about a vacuum cleaner that also blew air for dusting? The unit could be selectable, variable, alternate, or pulse - vacuum and/or blowing. The source of blowing air could be the exhaust from the vacuum cleaner rerouted back to the vacuuming area. Think of it, how often could you have used a blast of air to dislodge some dirt or clean out dust bunnies, then suction to remove them from the surface. With this device, you could enhance cleaning and open up an innovation area in the mature market of vacuum cleaners.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for vacuum cleaners, air compresses, pulsing oral hygiene devices, power washers, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 15/353, 15/310

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks for looking at Ideas for Products or Inventions!

Idea for Diesel Engine Economizer

Diesel engine economizer – Many times diesel trucks or locomotives are left to idle for hours and sometimes days to avoid restarting due to cold weather or other reasons.  There are systems out there to automatically start these engines periodically to keep them warm and loose.  Instead, how about a smaller gasoline engine to cycle and warm the engine oil and coolant?  This small gasoline engine could also multi-task like other concepts in this issue.  A computer controlled gas engine/generator could have many tasks and various assigned priorities – keep diesel engine warm and loose, keep cab warm, keep battery charged, keep air reservoir charged, keep refrigeration compressor charged, power the glow plugs, etc.  All these functions could be done with a small gasoline engine running at a comfortable load consistently – delegating the engine power/warmth to various tasks in the diesel system.  The result would be economy and probably less parts – plus the whole unit could be replaced or swapped out for maintenance.  The power distribution could be done electronically with electric pumps or mechanically with a clutch system.

In addition, in this system, the heat could be generated from a catalytic heater to supply heat instead of using the gas or diesel engine to keep the diesel engine warm.  Maybe, the kerosene could be used as a heater fuel and inject the kerosene in the fuel line as needed, during very cold weather.  Again, the multi-tasking principle could be used to send the heat to the needed areas – fuel warming, engine coolant warming, cab heater, battery warming, etc.
Advanced versions could even have an abnormal status alert to the driver via Internet or cellular telephone.  Using these communication tools, the driver could start the gasoline auxiliary engine or main diesel engine remotely if desired.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for geothermal heating, heat pumps, hot water heating systems, chemical heating systems, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 123/522, 219/205, 122/7R

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Fishing Water Quality Monitor

How about a fishing water-quality-monitor? This device could monitor the water while fishing and give a recommendation on whether the fish in these waters are edible. This could be a feature of existing fish finders. A more sophisticated model could sample the water at various depths and match to the fish caught. Example – bottom conditions may recommend not eating bottom-feeding fish, yet the upper water level fish are okay.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for floating pool thermometers, litmus paper, chemical testing, blood sample electronic tester, water well testing, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 422/68.1, 210/96.2

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - , http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!//

Idea for Portable Office

How about a portable office?  There are tents and campers but there does not seem to be any unit set up for a portable office.  Maybe the same techniques of portable infirmaries could be applied to a portable office – quick and easy to set up, power available, comfort, etc.  In addition, this portable office could have a security entry system.  The user could then have the convenience of an office yet be at a remote location.  
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for tents, campers, motel rooms, office suites, military stations, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 206/320, 52/67

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Indoor Campground....Marshmallows anyone?

There are outdoor campgrounds for sure – but how about an indoor campground?  

Maybe unused warehouses could be recycled to accommodate this function.  Would be particularly helpful in the winter or hot summer.  In addition, this might be groundwork for disaster shelters too.

User could pull in a camper or pitch a tent in this facility at a lower cost than at a motel.  Could have artificial turf, campfire rings, showers, etc.  Same as outdoor campgrounds – only indoor.  User would rent a space for the night.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for disaster shelters, camps, communes, military stations or compounds, low rent housing, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 109/15, 5/420, 135/127

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for hardware thread lock and tamper indicator.

How about fastener washers, bolts, or nuts with adhesive or thread-lock compound encapsulated within.  This compound would then squeeze out as the fastener is tightened and thus secure the attachment.  

This might be less costly than current locking fasteners and yet get the same result.  The compound could also be colored to signal to the user that the fastener is secure.  

This signal feature could also be used to signal tampering after the fastener was secured.  Currently, a common practice to prevent fastener tampering is to paint the surface around the fastener.  With this compound on the fastener already – an extra assembly step might be saved.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for self-locking hardware, tamper-proof openings, tamper indicating fasteners, caulking, liquid-center candy, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 427/510, 411/258

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for "Smart Appliances or Tools"...putting power where it is needed most.

Have you ever overloaded a circuit from trying to run more appliances, heaters, and tools than the circuit would allow?  How about “smart appliances or tools” that would multi-task the load distribution to the devices?  

Example – trying to use six 1000-watt roasters simultaneously on a 20-amp circuit at a picnic.  Under these conditions, the circuit should overload.  Using “smart roasters”, the power would be blocked from the roasters not needing much heating at that time – and power be allowed to flow to those just plugged in and needing heat much more.  Through time, each roaster would get to temperature.  

The circuit would deliver a more constant current flow, rather oscillating between periods of no current and peak current – maybe a steady 15 amps.  

This concept is similar to “multi-tasking” a computer’s capability.  The same concepts could apply – task importance, urgency, etc.  Purpose of this concept is to make good use of existing circuits without overloading – and without adding unnecessary extra circuits.

Forms of this concept could be power control at the breaker box, power outlet, extension cord, or the device.  

The device could signal what it needs and the “power traffic cop” would meter the power to all the devices calling for power.  This “power traffic cop” would probably be computer controlled.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for power grid load distribution, “rolling blackout” circuitry, ammeters, watt-hour meters, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 439/505, 361/124, 307/3

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Manually Operated Sump Pump

There seems to be electric sump pumps – both household current and battery operated.  There does not seem to be a manual sump pump – similar to the old-fashioned water pumps.  There are also water alarms on the market to signal when the pump is not working.  With a manual pump feature the electric pump could still work if the problem was electrical.  In addition, there could be a separate manual pump that could be foot or hand operated.  

There could also be an alarm associated with this manual pump signaling that water level was rising and manual pumping is necessary.  The alarm could be non-electric too – similar to a windup alarm clock with a mechanical float trigger to turn the alarm on when water is high and off when the water is low.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for old time manual water pumps, manual fluid pumps to pump out of a barrel or the like, old time windmills to pump water from wells, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 417/540, 417/36, 417/17

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for One Insurance Policy for Everything

How about an umbrella insurance policy for an entire family’s functions – instead of separate policies for car, home, boat, business, etc.  This concept is similar again to computer multi-tasking.  The home or business would select a maximum umbrella amount.  Then, based on the items to insure and their risk of loss – the insurance agent would then figure a price.  Less paperwork and one bill to pay.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for various insurance policies, business insurance, other insurance for undefined occurrences, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 705/4

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for vehicle alternator emergency power generation.

There seems to be car alternator adapters for tools, computers, etc.  There does not seem to be an adapter system to link a car alternator to a house electrical system.  This would be particularly helpful in and emergency – if nothing else than to power the sump pump.  

The system could have a feed distribution scheme similar to wind or solar power generation – to protect both the car and the house.  The system could also have a load distribution scheme to route power to the most needed areas and block power to unnecessary power uses.  

Using the existing car automatic-start technology – the car could start and stop automatically as needed to maintain the essential functions of a house or maybe even a small clinic or business.  

An advanced feature might be to link multiple automobiles, tractors, trucks, etc. together to supply the essential needs of a small hospital in a disaster situation.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for windmill generators, small hydroelectric generators, techniques to feed power back to the Power Company, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 307/66, 322/46, 322/28

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Speaker Sincerity Meter - Tool for next election?

Spring boarding off a previous idea for phone call filtering – how about a listen-able index for speeches?  There seems to be evaluators like this for text, but not for speech.  This could be an added feature for televisions – to evaluate the sincerity index of the speaker.  

Example – this new software could look for buzzwords and analyze the voice signature of the speaker using previous known data or voice signatures.  Some possible uses for this new software might be:

• Speakers, teachers, sales people, or trainers seeking to improve their delivery style.


• Voters, interviewers, reporters, etc. seeking to get a “read” on the prospective candidates.  This information could supplement other data on candidates.  The software could show a “sincerity gauge” during the conversation or speech plus a printout afterward.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for lie detectors, voice recognition software, readability indexes in word process programs, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 704/231, 704/273

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Automatic Handling of Telephone Calls...Your own Personal Secretary!

How about the same concept above for automatic handling of telephone calls?  Again, with a pre-defined profile, this new software could sort out calls and learn from the user handling of calls.  

In addition, with voice recognition input, this software could identify callers by voice signature or marketing buzzwords.

In addition, for frequent callers, the software could estimate the emotional state of the caller.  This feature might be particularly helpful for crisis telephone centers or 911 operators.  This emotional estimating feature might be analogous to gauging the body language of a person in a physical conversation.  

In addition, with an Internet connection, the software could continuously update with known unscrupulous telemarketers or telephone frauds.  This feature might be analogous to updating a computer virus program and might be particularly useful to elderly or handicapped folks who might otherwise be sucked into frauds.  

Existing answering machines typically show the caller telephone number.  How about a caller I.D. that actually speaks the caller’s name?

In essence, these software features could make up an electronic receptionist for individuals or maybe smaller companies.  
The e-mail idea above and this phone idea could, of course, be one package.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for telephone answering machines, decision-making software, dating software, career planning software, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 379/142.01, 379/266

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Personalized E-mail Spam Filter

How about a filter for e-mail that matches up with your personal interests?  There seems to be spam filters and e-mail mail handling rules – but not a filter that sorts your mail based on what’s important to you.  Maybe the user of this new software could answer questions to determine a filter profile based on personality, personal interests, business interests, sender, time of day sent, domain name, etc.  

This software could make decisions for the user instead of the user having to manually make new e-mail handling rules.  The software could sort e-mail into folders similar to existing programs, yet on a much more sophisticated scale.  Based on how the user handles the pre-sorted mail, this new software could learn what a person likes and does not like.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for computer dating service software, personality determination tests, career planning software, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 726/22, 709/206

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for an Oil Change Cartridge

How about an oil change cartridge that consists of both oil and filter in one package?  This could be a bolt- or screw-on device.  Once installed, the user could replace the oil/filter cartridge in one step and recycle the whole deal – similar to printer toner cartridges.  
It would be nice to have this cartridge out in the open in the engine compartment for easy replacement.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for vehicle oil filters, house water filters, industrial cartridge filters, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 210/450, 185/1.5, 210/136

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Fuel Economizer...Chart a New Course and Set Sail!

There are route planners for direct or scenic planning but do not seem to be a planner to maximize fuel economy.  Maybe this would be particularly helpful for truck drivers.  Maybe planner could take into account driving time, prevailing winds, topography, etc. – to make the least expensive driving route.  One way to do this would be to combine existing trip planners with GPS information, topographical information, and weather information.

Also to maximize fuel economy there could be sails on trucks or trains to take advantage of current winds.  An on-board computer could automatically adjust these sails for maximum assist.  Even small sails could save fuel, especially on a long train.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for trip planners, vehicle computers, internet access to road and weather conditions, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 701/211, 701/201, 364/449

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Water Camper....Why not?

One boat tows another when one boat is disabled.  In addition, a motorized boat pulls a barge to a construction site and anchors it during a project.  There does not seem to be a pleasure boat towing a non-powered camping boat to a site, then anchoring the camper at a site, and then using the motorized boat for recreation.  The water camper could provide shelter, accommodations, cooking, etc. – similar to a land camper pulled by an automobile.  One way to do this would be to take a pontoon type boat and equip it with a ramp.  A pop-up camper could then be loaded on the boat, locked down for safety.  The boat/camper unit could then be launched in the water.  Variations of this would be to have a ramp load a camper on a boat already in the water.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for boat trailers, car ferries, camping units, handicapped ramping techniques, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 114/361, 296/157, 296/23.

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Smoke Detector with Remote Alarm..."House yelling for Help"?

Did you ever think that smoke detectors are nice inside the house but they do not summon someone outside the house?  How about a smoke detector that has a bell on the outside of the house to summon neighbors to check out the situation?  Neighbors, instead of just having an alarm go off within the house, would notice an emergency from outside the house.  This smoke detector could activate the outside alarm by a wireless signal.  This outside alarm concept could work with Dog 911 Call Box Idea in this blog too.  Some ways to do this would be to have a hardwired alarm outside.  Another way would be to have a wireless alarm outside that could be activated by any of the smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, etc. inside the house.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for wireless doorbells, town emergency warning system, message alarms that tell passers-by to call for help, remote control devices, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 340/539.1, 340/628, 348/539, 348/630.

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Sharpener for lawnmower blades

How about a sharpener for lawnmower blades without having to take off blades?  This could be a sharpening mat for the lawn mower to ride over and sharpen blades.  Think of artificial grass that is abrasive and angled.  The concept is for the blades to go over a surface that is abrasive and gives the blades the proper angle.  The blades would not cut this abrasive “grass”, but rather the mower blades would be sharpened by the action of the “angled abrasive grass” on the blades.  Another way to do this would be to have a “sleeve sharpener” to slide over the blade from the mower exhaust chute.  Of course, all this would have to be done in a safe manner, similar to routine blade sharpening techniques.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for knife sharpeners, farm implement sharpeners, paint removing abrasive discs, grinding wheels, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 451/141, 451/349

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea to Make Money While You Sleep!

How would you like to make money while you sleep?

How about a system of examining currency automatically – looking for valuable coins or bills.  There seems to be parts of a system out there but not an automatic machine to do it all.  

Imagining - a machine that you load with a night’s worth of currency in a hopper.  Push Start.  The machine would then spread the coins on a conveyer.  The conveyer would then go under a computer vision system.  The vision system would identify/cull valuable coins and let the rest of the coins pass through for denomination sorting and packaging in rolls.  The valuable coins would then be available for you to inspect in the morning along with a computer report advising why the coins were selected.  You probably can find concepts of this idea in established inspection processes – like mail sorting and various industries - and put them together for this specialized application.

And think of it – all this could be going on while you are sleeping, working at a “real” job, or golfing!
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for coin counters, machine vision systems, personal computer camera security systems, post office mail sorting software, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 194/215, 194/224, 348/42, 348/143

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Forest Fire Early Warning System

"How about Smoke Detectors in the forest? These detectors could be located at strategic locations and could communicate wirelessly to a central computer in a fire tower or command center. Think of these detectors located on trees or other structures at various points in the grid of a forested area. This central computer could also have input on current wind speed and direction. From the input of smoke activated detectors and other data, the location of a fire could be pinpointed accurately and quickly. Using this concept, forest fires could be detected much sooner, thus saving lives and property. These detectors would not need to have an audible sound, though they could.
In addition, the detectors could be solar or wind powered. A fail-safe loss of normal signal could signal that a detector was inoperative and a repair order could be issued. The central computer could do a computer analysis of the fire situation, projected path, and recommended course of fire fighting action."
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for smoke detectors, gas-sampling systems, enclosures like birdhouses, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 340/628, 340/518

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Automatic Mailing Tape Applicator

"There are electric staplers that of course staple.  There are also wafer seals for closing mail items - similar to the tape used to seal the top of this newsletter.
How about an electric "stapler" that would automatically apply a strip of tape to a mail item.  You would only need to insert the mail piece into this electric tape stapler and it would automatically apply one or more tape strips to the mail edges to seal.  No more manually having to peel off wafer strips or manually have to apply tape strips.  This might be particularly helpful for sealing newsletters ready for mailing.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for electric staplers, automatic tape dispensers, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 227/131, 227/120, 156/577

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for pet to get help in an emergency

"How about an emergency box that sits on the floor where a dog could press the button and summon help?  This could be especially helpful for handicapped or elderly people with a specially trained dog.  Maybe the box could have three large buttons - FIRE, POLICE, and AMBULANCE that would connect to 911 emergency telephone numbers or Internet connection.  The 911 operators could affirm the emergency by background sounds - dog barking and pressing same button consistently.  This concept would also work when the home occupants were not home and an emergency developed.
In addition to perhaps being an opportunity for a new device, this concept could open up a new service of training animals to use this new device.  There are pushbutton devices for people to use in summoning help but none for animals.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for automatic telephone dialers, door bells/pushbuttons, large number telephones, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 379/37, 446/142

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Emergency Vehicle Warning Light

How about a strobe light on the top of emergency vehicles to signal drivers from a distance? It seems like the strobe could be as high as a semi-truck and still be able to get under traffic signals, bridges, etc. Currently, emergency vehicles rely on lights on the vehicle body but no lights tower over traffic to warn drivers at a distance. Think of an ambulance trying to weave through a snarl of rush hour traffic, where drivers can only see the cars around them. Could be used for ambulances, police, pizza delivery drivers, etc.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for CB antenna with top light and bumper mount, telescoping flag poles, tower lights, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 340/917, D10/114, 362/35

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Smoke Detector that speaks escape plan

"How about smoke detectors that could give a personalized message of what to do when there is a fire or other emergency?  The user of this device would record ahead of time what the escape plan is, and then this smoke detector would repeat this message when the emergency occurred.  Example - "Fire!  Go down the south stairs and meet under the maple tree."
In advanced versions, the message could be updated for current conditions.  For example, if one stairwell was blocked, this new device could change the message to go down another exit.  This might be particularly helpful in industrial or office settings.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for pre-recorded announcements on answering machines, plant wide fire detection systems adapted for home use, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 340/628, 340/693.8, 379/43

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Lubricated Farm Plow - Save Fuel?

How about a lubricated farming plow to save tractor fuel?  This could be achieved by a regular plow or disc with holes to extrude a lubricant.  The lubricant could be water, lubricating fluids, biodegradable oils, maybe even air, etc.
Perhaps a good lubricant for this might be extruding used animal fat from food preparation.  Currently, this is a waste product and just hauled away from restaurants, food processors, etc.  Now, this fat sludge could have another use - make the plow slide through the ground easier, plus add fertilizing nutrients.
There are currently farming discs that have liquid manure nozzles attached.  This concept puts down the "groundwork" for this new plow concept.
The plow construction could be similar to those today, except for a hollow core for the lubricant and holes in the plow walls for the lubricant to exude.  Flow control valves could control the amount of lubricant going out the plow face.  The farmer could control the amount of lubricant depending on the soil conditions.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing apparatus for farm plows, farm discs, liquid manure spreading, air hockey, industrial processes using lubricated folding boards, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses to look - 172/755; 239/662; 172/219  

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for remote controlled docking of a fishing boat.

Think about how hard it is for one person to dock a boat in a boat landing.  Now, think now how easy it is for a person to change channels on a TV with a remote control.  How about a remote controlled motor for docking a boat?
The person could be on land and maneuver the boat ready for putting on the boat trailer.  The motor for this could be the trolling motor that was previously used for fishing, now remotely controlled by a TV remote-like device.  This might be particularly helpful for older or disabled boaters.  The person could boat into the docking area, tie up, and go get the car and trailer, then remotely control the boat onto the trailer.
Possible Start Building Blocks -

• Existing concepts for remote controlled train switching engine, auxiliary bridge on boat, airplane docking, TV remote controls, remote controlled model boats, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for more ideas - 114/255, 43/26.1

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Grass Clipping Compactor

How about a grass clipping compactor? This could be attached to a lawnmower or a separate unit. If on a mower, the clippings bag would not have to be emptied as often. The mower could power this attachment or be linked to a separate unit via a power take off PTO shaft.
Taking this one step further, if on a mower, the clippings could be baled with a carrying handle and sent out the back, just like a farm baler. After cutting the grass, the mower operator could just pile the "grass bricks" for trash pickup.

Springboarding off these ideas, how about making "grass bricks" for use in house construction or home heating? There now exist houses made of "straw bales" having superior insulating qualities. Maybe the "grass bricks" would be easier to handle. In addition, the grass cut along the side of the roads could be recycled into "building bricks". For heat, there are some parts of the world that use manure bricks for heat, so using this concept, maybe use "dried grass bricks" for heat.

In all these grass options, one should make sure the grass does not have the possibility of spontaneous combustion. Again, using existing knowledge of hay baling would help in this area too.
Possible Start Building Blocks -

• Existing garbage compactors, farm balers, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "how-to" ideas - 56/16; 56/202; 56/13

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Ice Scraper Sharpener

How about an umbrella insurance policy for an entire family’s functions – instead of separate policies for car, home, boat, business, etc.  This concept is similar again to computer multi-tasking.  The home or business would select a maximum umbrella amount.  Then, based on the items to insure and their risk of loss – the insurance agent would then figure a price.  Less paperwork and one bill to pay.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for existing umbrella insurance policies, mergers, consolidations, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas – 705/4

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Tree Integrity Tester

How about a Tree Integrity Tester?  This could be microwave or ultrasonic device to check the moisture within the tree trunk.  In addition, there could be a core-sampling drill to check the tree sap chemistry.  This tester could have photocell or vision sensors to check on the chlorophyll content of the leaves.  There could be soil and air sensors to detect ambient growing conditions, as well as an input keyboard for comments by the testing person.  There could have be a database of good readings for healthy trees of this species.  There could be an Internet access to current information and current tree diseases.  A small scanner could upload to a main computer.  This main computer could be located in the car or truck.  This main computer could be used for long term tracking of tree/forest conditions.  As an insurance evaluation tool, this device could evaluate the tree integrity and the likelihood of blowing over in a high wind.  This device could, however, be a simple as a moisture tester for Christmas trees.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for lumber moisture testers, mining core samplers, maple tree sap access ports, paint color matchers, ultrasonic medical testing, home inspection testers, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 702/36, 324/640, 324/687, 382/141  

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for flashlight/headlight with multiple lights...increase coverage...improve safety...

How about a flashlight with multiple peripheral lights, in addition to a central light?  These peripheral lights would be aimed at different angles and would fire at intervals.  The human brain "persistence of vision" would piece these bits of visual information together to give a concept of what is going on in a large area, without having to wave a regular flashlight around.  Think of this device of particular help to nightwalkers, security guards, or the like.  The peripheral lights could instead be a strobe light.  The user could still use the central light of the flashlight in a normal manner to look at specific object.  To test this concept, maybe take a regular flashlight and tape onto it a slow strobing camera flash.
This concept could also be used in automobile and other vehicle headlight systems to illuminate the side of the road, as well as directly in front of the vehicle, as usual.  Think of driving down the road and getting a full picture of what is going around you, in addition to what is straight ahead.  It would be helpful to illuminate the side of the road, at least, looking for crossing animals or people.  Maybe this would be helpful especially now with the time change and joggers alongside the road.  Of course, safety prevails and the strobes would need to be turned off with oncoming traffic, similar to changing from high to low beams now.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for camera flash, flashlight, led lights, Christmas light sequencer, emergency vehicle strobe lights and headlight flashers, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 362/192, 362/191, 362/259, 362/184, 362/518  

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Cordless Tool Recharging Mat

How about having an electromagnetic recharging mat where you place your rechargeable tools and they would recharge on the mat - instead of in the charging cradle?  For starters - There are many rechargeable tools, each with their own recharger.  Also, there are now more and more recharging mats out - for headphones, batteries, laptops, etc.
How about combining these existing devices.  The new concept could use induction between the mat and the tools to recharge.  In a work situation, the worker would use the cordless tools then return them to the mat for recharging - no holders or no special recharging holders for each tool.  The whole workbench could be a charging surface too.  Essentially, there would be one mat for all the cordless tools, instead of individual chargers. There could be adapters for existing cordless tools to make them work with this new charging mat.  This recharging mat could provide a low level electromagnetic field - enough to trickle charge yet not enough to warm metal objects substantially.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for cordless tools, electric toothbrushes, induction heating, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 320/108, 320/110, 320/115

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for train strobe headlight and train crossing mirror

There are flashing headlights on trains now a days but there does not seem to be a train strobe headlight to attract the most attention.  In addition, one flashing light could be pointed upward so that drivers could see the train coming at a longer distance.  This upward pointing flasher would illuminate the air/smoke above the train similar to those skylights highlighting a new store opening.  The result would be a column of light above the train that could be seen a long distance above surrounding objects.
In addition, the traffic crossing signals could have a right angle mirror to catch this flashing headlight and reflect it to drivers approaching the intersecting train track.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for emergency vehicle lights, aircraft searching lights, flashlights, camera flashes, strobe scopes, see-around-corner mirrors, prisms, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 362/459, 362/528, 246/474  

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Bilge Pump requiring no power

There are powered bilge pumps for boats but do not seem to be a passive bilge pump that requires no external power - only forward motion of the boat.  Think of a long hose or tube with one end on the bottom of the boat and the other end is hanging outside the boat.  As the boat moves through the water, the moving water over the end of the tube would suck the water from the bottom out of the boat.  A one-way valve would only allow the water to be sucked out and not into the boat.  This concept is similar to smoke being sucked out of an open car window, when the car is moving.
Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for carburetor venturi, airplane wing lift, vehicle air flow analysis, siphons, snorkels, vacuum cleaners, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 114/183A, 114/183R, 114/197  

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!

Idea for Christmas Lights - Save Energy?

Did you ever notice how rural homes have their Christmas lights going all the time on the outside of their houses, even when no cars are passing by?  Maybe have a photo eye near the road to turn on the Christmas lights when a car approaches the house and turn the lights off some time after the car has passed.  This would save electricity.  Think of a car going down the road - When the car driver is about a quarter mile from your house, your decoration lights would go on and stay on as long as the driver is nearby.  After this car passes, the lights would go off until the next driver approaches.
Possible Start Building Blocks -

• Existing concepts for humorous motion-activated fish or deer, motion-activated outdoor lighting, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 362/123, 315/185S, 362/276

See disclaimers on TG Ideas LLC publications and website - http://www.athenet.net/~ideas/, Thanks!