As part of our on-going efforts to better serve you, we have created this blog to explore the many aspects of inventions and the inventing process. Our goal is to be your first place to look for unbiased information focusing on turning your idea into a marketable product. Unlike other sites, our services to you are free of charge and we have absolutely no vested interest in any firm, organization, or service provider. We value your continued support … but more importantly we sincerely appreciate your trust.

With that being said, our first blog entry will give you some insight into two of America 's greatest inventors the legendary Wright Brothers.

The Invention of the Wright Flyer

“First Powered Flight”

Orville and Wilber Wright, two brothers from Dayton , Ohio , were fascinated with the challenge of flying, and their determined efforts culminated in mankind's first powered flight in a heavier-than-air creation. The original Wright Flyer was an unwieldy machine at best weighing 750 pounds. It was powered by a 170 pound, 12 horsepower, four cylinder engine mounted on the wing which spanned 40 feet alongside the pilot and utilized chain-drive to power two large propellers.

December 14, 1903, the Wrights tested the winds at their camp at Kitty Hawk, on an island off the coast of North Carolina . The men had been traveling to Kitty Hawk since September 1900, testing a series of glider designs in their quest to perform the first manned flight with a controlled landing.

A coin was tossed, and Wilbur climbed aboard the Flyer, their latest creation. The flying machine quickly took off from its launch rail and reached an altitude of fifteen feet before crashing to the ground and damaging various portions of the nose and undercarriage. The Wright brothers immediately set about repairing their craft and sent the following telegram to their father:

“Misjudgment at start reduced flight … success assured … keep quiet …”

On December 17, 1903, North Carolina 's seacoast was a barren and wind-swept vista, and you can imagine the scene as Orville Wright eased himself onto the wing of their craft. To the adulation of his brother, Wilber, and a handful of spectators and assistants, this amazing creation clamored into the air for twelve seconds and flew only 120 feet; less than the wingspan of a modern airliner. The first flight was followed by a second controlled flight that lasted approximately one minute, and the aircraft traveled more than 850 feet.

Thank to the faith, courage and unyielding determination of the Wright Brothers … man had conquered the skies. The age of aviation was born.

Contemporary inventors can learn a lot from the Wright Brothers. They did something that no one else had ever done before; they were men of vision who could see a future of air travel. They believed in themselves … and never gave up. As their telegram to their father reflects – they were confident, supremely confident that they would succeed … and they did! We hope that the Wright Brothers will be an inspiration to you and everyone who takes on the mantle of the inventor and follows their dreams!

Did you know …

In this blog entry, we're going to look at some interesting invention “Did you know …” facts:

Human Powered Flight
Did you know that the first human powered flight took place on August 23, 1977 when Paul MacCready's plane, the 55-pound Gossamer Condor took flight above an air strip in California ? It was powered by a human bicyclist!

The Baseball Cap
Did you know when baseball was getting its start in America (circa 1850s) most players wore straw hats? However, after the Civil War players began wearing visor caps similar to those worn by Union and Confederate solders.

Karaoke Machine
Did you know Daisuke Inoue leased the first karaoke machines to nightclubs in Kobe , Japan ? The invention proved to be extremely popular but he made little money because he failed to patent the machine! By 1996, the Karaoke industry is a $10 billion-a-year business.

The Coffee Pot
Did you know in 1806 Benjamin Thompson invents a coffee pot with a metal sieve to strain away the grounds? As such, coffee drinkers no longer had to chew their brew.

Smoke Alarm
Did you know the smoke alarm/detector was invented by BRK electronics in 1969? However, they didn't become popular until 1974 when Sears, Roebuck and Company started marketing them with outstanding success. In fact, the response was so significant that it prompted other manufacturers to enter the residential smoke detector market.

… well, now you know!