Goto the bottom of page.
Attention Inventors!!! For the first time in History we finally have a "NATIONAL INVENTORS' MONTH." It's this month -- August 1998, the first annual event.
Thanks to the efforts of Inventors' Digest magazine, Academy of Applied Science and United Inventors Association of the U.S.A. They have launched a national media campaign that will put the spotlight on inventions and promote a positive image of inventors.
Nevada Inventors Association is a member in good standing, and proudly supports, the UIA-USA in their work with the Academy of Applied Science and Inventors' Digest, to promote this special month-long recognition of the contributions inventors have made to our society.
Because the Inventors' Digest has produced their largest and most exciting issue for this National
Inventors Month celebration, we suggest that those who have not subscribed do so now, and ask for this special
edition. Call 1-800-838-8808 and let them know you are subscribing through Nevada Inventors Association for the
special rate.
Goto the bottom of page.
Rose Marie and Dan Sherman gave a fascinating talk on how a seemingly innocent mistake, when trying to commercialize an invention, can cause incredible legal tangles and heartache for the inventors.
Their advice: If you form a corporation to market your product, and sell stock to raise funds, never sell over 49% or you will lose control of your invention. But most important -- if you hire an attorney to help you, take his advice. They didn't, and wished they had.
Stephen des Jardin presented a thoughtful and enlightening talk about why and when an inventor should go outside his own limitations and hire the services of a professional. Stephen's area of expertise is industrial/mechanical design consulting. His message: An inventor may need help and not even know it. But the advice of a mechanical or industrial consulting engineer may save money and avoid unseen problems down the road. It's good insurance to at least ask. Stephen's phone number at Stateline Nevada is (702) 586-8135.
Report from nominating committee chairman Charles Ketcham tells us we have a full slate of new officers for the coming year, 1999:
Gary Fosburg showed photos and told about his scientific experience last month on a Southern Nevada dry lake bed, called "Desert Blast." It was a private show of explosions, fireworks, firearms, munitions, rockets, etc. all put on by Rod Lazar, the guy who reverse-engineered the Area 51 space ship landing technology. (that didn't happen)
Bud Heath and Randy Sloan are working on a membership directory (with photos) that sounds pretty exciting. These guys can pull it off, but not without the cooperation of our members to furnish their individual information. When that questionnaire is distributed, please folks -- fill it in and get it back to them.
Dr. Bill Torch, chairman of the museum committee, showed color renderings of the new "Science and Industry Museum." 14 floors of fantastic, hands-on, live exhibits that will make it a truly one of a kind museum for Northern Nevada. The potential benefits to Northern Nevada's economy and cultural stature are enormous. Thanks to Dr. Torch's efforts, the museum looks doable. There is already much interest generated in the area, and the committee is now working on getting the foundation set up properly so we can pursue proper funding. We're guessing around $50 million dollars will put it together.
Tony Patti announced plans for more live contact with the Reno/Sparks Camber of Commerce in '99. The potential to help each other is great, and as members, it's obvious we should be more active.
On a sad note, one of our members -- Denver Dickerson, suffered a compound fractured leg and crushed kneecap in a freakish, but horrible, accident while stepping over a trailer hitch. Everyone wishes you well, buddy, and a speedy recovery if there is such a thing from a break like that. Makes me shudder to think about it.
Besides ratifying the new officers and trustees at the September "annual" meeting on the 26th of September, the general membership will be presented a long overdue proposal to raise our annual dues to $50. It has been discussed many times before, but can only be adopted by a general membership approval at the annual meeting. Included in the proposal is a request to ratify a $5.00 door charge for visitors who attend regular meetings.
Independent Inventor's Conference, San Francisco, October 23, 24, 1998 at the Ramada Plaza International Hotel, 1231 Market Street, San Francisco. Telephone 1-800-227-4747, or (415) 776-3310. If you know the right 'code,' rates for a double are $109.00 to $189.00 and $99.00 to $169.00 for a single, according to the current CSAA book. There is no free parking. Hotels have their own codes when you're talking rates. It would be a good idea to make reservations as soon as possible at some hotel if you're planning on going.
The PTO usually lets us know about such things as registration feed and special rates, but nothing in the mail so far. More details should be available for the September newsletter. his is unusual, for the conference to be held on the West Coast. It is usually an East Coast affair. I hope many NIA members can attend. It's always educational and a chance to perhaps make our needs heard by the management of the Patent and Trademark Office.
Pat Ragains, at our UNR Patent Depository Library, is planning on attending, and is already looking for a roommate to share expenses. Anyone interested call Pat at the Library: 784-6500, Ext. 257 Next DRTV show April 1999
This time the show is scheduled for the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. But inventors won't have to wait for the show to present their products to DRTV exhibitors. The producers are expanding the product search to include a November 1998 date for mailing product info. Copies of the forms will be available before that date. The presentation fee will be $25.00, same as last Spring.
So start thinking about your product. Is it suitable for DRTV? Does it have mass market appeal?
Read my article in the latest issue of Inventors' Digest to get more familiar with the process. (That's the July/August
'98 National Inventors' Month issue)
Goto the bottom of page.
Our club picnic will be at 10:00 AM on August 22nd, at Gary Fosburg's home in Pleasant Valley between Reno and Carson City. The address is 320 Galena Pines Road, telephone 849-9210.
There will be fried chicken, potato salad, chips, soft drinks and snacks. If last year's picnic is any indication, there will be lots of fun things, great conversations, making new friends and laughter all around. Dungarees, slacks, comfortable shoes and shirts are in order. Anyone caught in a suit and tie will be soundly thrashed about the head and shoulders. No charge to NIA members and their guests. President Don Evans has very generously offered to pick up the tab for $100 worth of eats and drinks. That's a mighty nice gesture. A gift from the prez to the club. We say "THANK YOU, DON" Last year some folks brought other foods that were very welcome and very delicious. If anyone feels that they would like to do that again, pease feel free to do it. It is not necessary, but always welcome. Please call Don, at 322-9636 and let him know. We haven't planned any dessert, so maybe something like that would be good.
Don't forget --- it's an inventors' club, so if you have a prototype of your invention, bring
it along to show off. Even market ready products will be accepted for show. No invention to expose to the public
yet??? Bring something interesting.
How to find Gary's place
If you follow these directions, you should be right in front of 320 Galena Pines Road to join
picnicking inventors!