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BIO OF JAMES F. RIORDAN
resume | community involvement | accomplishments | author
inventions, trademarks & patents | hobbies
The following are just a FEW of Jim Riordan's inventions, several of which
are patented. Please be sure to visit our "Our Projects and Success
Stories" section where you will find more corporate solution inventions
created for our clients and more details on some of the inventions listed below.
Sniper Position Acquisition Device (S.P.A.D.™)
Using a patent pending integration of seven state of the art
technologies, this device provides near real time detection and acquisition
of the position of single or multiple sniper locations, providing our
snipers or mobile weapons systems with the ability to eliminate enemy
sniper(s) with little or no collateral damage to property or innocent
civilians. The S.P.A.D. system will prove to be an increasingly valuable
tool in urban warfare, occupation or liberation operations. The S.P.A.D.
system technology is currently being submitted for licensing.
Exhaust manifold valve heat protectors Curtiss OX5 engines
Fits 1914-1918 Curtiss Jennys, Thomas Morse Scouts and other antique aircraft
using the OX5 V8 engine designed by Glenn Curtiss. Prevents exhaust
manifold heat from melting the grease on exposed valve rocker assemblies.
Lock-at-will upper arm prosthesis. A breakthrough device
for upper limb amputees which allows a person to use an artificial arm with
"natural" movements and without the need for a "harness" to raise or lower
the prehensor (hook unit). This device was invented-to-order for the
Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Stanford. This design solved a
problem which the center had been struggling with for two years.
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Light Beer Mug gift box,
our design |
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The catalog sheet or
"sell sheet" for the
light beer mug |
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The Light Beer Mug™
Unique novelty item has a plastic snap-on base which holds two "AA" batteries
and a light bulb. It lights up when you lift it up, and makes any beer a
"Light" beer. Over two million dollars worth have been sold. They were
sold through Spencer Gift stores and catalogs, Coach House gift stores, ARA
airport gift shops and many other gift and catalog stores throughout the US.
The mugs were included in promotional programs for Anheuser Busch Bud Light
and Moosehead beer.
What a famous actress had to say:
"Mr. Riordan,
My friends and I are having a ball with your mugs at Princeton.
You 'lite' up our lives. Thank you very much."
Love and kisses
Brooke Shields
Great Story from Jim Riordan: My wife and I
were on a weekend ski trip in my heady days of snow ski racing.
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Brooke Shields sent us
this autographed photo
after receiving her mugs |
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Upon our
return, we had several messages on our answering machine. One of them said,
"Hi, this is Brooke Shields mother and Brooke got one of your mugs and is having a
problem with it, could you give me a call." We thought riiiiiiight, Brooke
Shield's mom, suuuuuure! We thought it was a prank by one of our friends and
never returned the call. Well, actually it really was her mom. She
called again the next weekend when we were again away skiing, and this time
she said, "Hello, this IS Brooke Shield's mom . . . REALLY!"
This time we called back, found out that Brooke had gotten one of our mugs as a
gift and the little pin actuating the light was missing (factory defect).
As is our standard policy of making sure our customers are always satisfied, I
sent her 4 mugs which were (ahem) personally inspected. About two weeks
later, we received the above photo with her thank you and autograph.
What a nice person to go out of her way for such a special thank you. (Jim Riordan)
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| Solder Quik patent plaque |
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Solder Quik mounted on
Weller soldering iron |
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The Solder Quik™
An attachment which fits on a standard pencil type soldering iron and
allows a person to feed solder to the tip of the iron by simply turning a wheel
with their index finger. This allows an operator to solder with only one hand,
and speeds most soldering operations a minimum of 30%. This device is also
being used to help handicapped workers master hand soldering techniques that
were previously not possible for them. Solder Quick users include N.A.S.A.,
IBM, Hewlett Packard, Ford Aerospace, Harris Satellite Communications, and
Beckman Instruments. This product was distributed nationally, then sold to a
soldering equipment company.
What others say:
"This unit is a remarkable time saving product in most of our operations in the
Avionics shop. For all simple wire repair jobs you can save nearly half
the time it would take with the conventional soldering iron. Although there
are jobs on printed circuit boards that are just too tight to use the Solder
Quik, about 80% off all circuit board repair and assembly can be accomplished
in at least half the time using the Solder Quik. Since there is no real
production here at NASA, the time element of production schedules are not a
factor, however, manpower certainly is. Most repair jobs involving
soldering with a conventional iron would require two men but using the Solder
Quik I can do the same job with only one man.
In conclusion, I am recommending that NASA purchase one Solder Quik for
each person in my shop and one for the Instrument Shop."
Patrick Atchison, Avionics
NASA-Ames Research Center
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David Lawrence, recent
upper arm amputee, is
able to keep his job
using the Solder Quik |
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"The innovative research and production activities you have undertaken on behalf
of the disabled are indeed rare. Your most recent inventions, the
"Solder Quik" and the "Hand Aid", will definitely be of great benefit to
handicapped persons who have opted to work in electronics related industries.
In addition, the application of your products into electronics production
and repair occupations will not only widen the employment prospects for the
handicapped, but will benefit prospective employers as well. Congratulations
on your success thus far and best wishes in the future. Please do not
hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance."
Sincerely yours,
Norman Y. Mineta
Member of Congress
"Jim,
"In my 30 plus years in the Electronics field the Solder Quik is to me
the best idea in all that time in my line of production 'Cable Harnesses'.
Invariably while soldering leads into boards or connectors you need a third
hand to hold the lead. This gives it to the solderer."
Vern Brink
Supervisor
Electronics
Goodwill of Santa Clara
"Dear Jim:
This letter is to express to you our appreciation of a job well done in the
design and the function of the Solder Quik. Since our installation, three
months ago, we have found increased production and through-put in the touch-up
and rework area. All of our touch-up and rework technicians have expressed
considerable satisfaction of "the third hand" concept in assisting the delivery
of solder and handling of the printed circuit boards and other solderable
components. We would highly recommend to anyone requiring high through-put
in this area to utilize this product, as it will positively affect the bottom line."
Sincerely
Lawrence P. Dorcsis
President
Xltronix
"Dear Jim:
We would like to thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness in donating
the two Solder-Quik soldering setups and accessories to the electronic assembly
training classroom. The Solder-Quik is an innovative and fascinating piece
of equipment. We have enjoyed using it in the classroom and have received
a great deal of interest and positive comments from the students who have tried it.
We feel there is tremendous potential for the Solder-Quik in the electronic
industry, not only as an aid to someone with a disability but also as a time
saving device for basic assembly soldering. We wish you luck and success
with the Solder-Quik and appreciate being included in its debut. Thanks Again"
Nina Bouley
Supervisor of Vocational Education
Sandy Montijo
Lead Instructor
Electronic Assembly Training
Linda Calloway
Instructor
Electronic Assembly Training
Goodwill of Santa Clara County
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Jim Riordan's Propcycle
at the Watsonville Air Show, 1987 |
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The Propcycle™
The Nations first street licensed propeller driven motorcycle. This
unique three wheeled vehicle carries two comfortably at 45 miles per
hour, even up hills! The Propcycle has been featured in magazines in 17
countries, including Popular Science and Star Magazine in the U.S. It has also
been featured on "Evening Magazine with Richard Hart" and "PM" Magazine on
television Coast to Coast.
The Pneumatic Bicycle Seat/Pump
This device slips down into the seat tube on most bicycle frames,
locks in place, and then acts as an "air shock" seat to deliver the most
comfortable ride possible. The device is easily removed from the seat tube
and is then used as a tire pump. The seat then becomes the pump.
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Head clock with face of
abominable snowman or
"Yetty", with mouth closed |
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Clap your hands and
mouth opens showing
clock display |
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The Head Clock
A wall clock within a plastic head of an animal or character. When
you clap your hands, a Schmidt trigger senses the clap and causes the mouth
to open revealing an L.E.D. four character digital display. After a brief
(adjustable length) pause, the mouth closes, and the display shuts down
and waits to be reactivated.
Pinball game action devices
Including targets, bumpers, rollover switches, flippers etc., invented to
order for Atari pinball games.
Aircraft quick release door latch
These unique door latches prevent accidental opening while allowing
lightning-fast, fumble-free exits from airplanes. Many installed and
in-use today.
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Hitch mate slip in
rack
system for trailer
hitch receiver |
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Co-inventor of Hitch Mate receiver rack systems
These handy racks slide into any square receptacle type trailer hitch and
mount on the rear or front of a vehicle. There is a different rack for carrying
boats, motorcycles, bicycles, skis, go-carts, ATV's, etc. There is also a
lockable storage box model that allows you to carry all of your camping gear
outside in a dry place. Each rack is easily installed, locked in place,
or removed for storage. This was invented and prototyped by Bob Underwood
and Jim Riordan.
Snap-in, Snap-off Tool Holding System for Upper Arm Amputees
Allows users to quickly pick-up, put-down and use common hand tools.
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Ten speed mobile
with
Brett Riordan Driving 1986 |
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Pedal car
Essentially a ten speed pedal powered go-cart. The vehicle carries up
to three people at speeds comparable to a bicycle.
Solar window blinds
With solar panels on one side and flat-black full length ribs on the
other side, these hollow vertical blinds generate heat or electricity,
depending on which way they are turned.
Solar hatch covers for boats
Solar cells recharge boat's battery and keep it charged while docked.
No-Bounce Hammer
A molded polyurethane hammer for use by aerospace workers in confined areas.
Hammer head "deadened" blow on impact thus preventing the tool from bouncing back and
damaging other instrumentation or components. Currently being used by N.A.S.A.
and United Airlines.
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Washer and Dryer
advertising specialty
given away by Overnight
Engineering was very popular |
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The "solid state" washer and dryer.
A novelty advertising specialty which has proven very popular!
It consisted of, well, a washer and a small piece of towel to dry the washer.
Window lock system for recreational vehicles
These simple devices make sliding windows burglar proof.
The Wheel Winch
An adaptor plate installs on the lug nuts of all drive wheels.
A drum and cable attachment locks onto the adaptor plate and allows you to use
the vehicle's drive wheels as a winch to pull the vehicle out.
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Levi's 501 jeans size
calculator first
proof of concept models |
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Levi's 501 jeans
size calculator
production model |
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The Levis 501 jeans size calculator.
A Zilog Z-80 microprocessor based point of purchase display. Two thousand
of them were invented-to-order for Levi Strauss and distributed to Levis' sales
locations throughout the United States. Device allows male customers to easily
and quickly determine which size jeans will shrink-to-fit properly.
Structural foam molding system
For mock musical instruments and robotic animal characters. Invented-to-order
for Pizza Time Theaters.
High Volume inspection system
For checking close-tolerance fabricated parts. Invented to order
for Pizza Time Theaters.
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Foot operated Hand Aid
sold to Paladin Corp,
a leading electrical
tool maker |
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Pnuematic Hand Aid also
sold to Paladin, makes
crimping connectors a
breeze |
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The Hand-Aid™
Turns military spec type hand crimping and termination tools into foot
operated or pneumatically powered tools. Prevents user from developing
carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist injury. This device can also be
used with ordinary pliers as a quick-close and open mini vise. The tools
were invented-to-order for Paladin Corp.
Automated multistage machining system
For accurate high volume fabrication of parts for robotic characters.
Invented-to-order for Pizza Time Theaters.
Cushioned engaging clutch
For floppy disk drives invented-to-order for Apple Computer.
Hard Disk Hub Stabilization Procedure.
For controlling "run out" on hard disk drives. Invented-to-order for
B.A.S.F. Systems.
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| Tab It Tape Dispenser sold to 3M in 1991 |
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TAB-IT TAPE™
A variable length index tab for locating single sheets of paper in a
file, or for separating sections in reports or binders. This product
was sold to 3M Corporation in December 1991 and became part of the 3M tape
flags project.
"Dear Jim:
"Enclosed is the agreement to purchase your patent application and
trademark. Please review, sign and send back both original copies to my
attention. Upon receipt of the signed contract 3M will issue payment within
5 days.
"Best wishes for the holiday season to both you and Lynn."
Alan J. Marlor
New Product Development Manager
3M
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Bomb Squad game. The
"dynamite bomb"
with detonator |
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Bomb Squad, the Game
In association with a former Atari electronic design manager, developed Bomb
Squad, a game of skill and steadiness which required the players to remove several
sticks of "dynamite" with a time sensitive and motion sensitive "detonator."
Players had to hand carry the device to a "safe" disposal "site" in another room.
If the player did not hold the "bomb" steady, or if they did not relocate the bomb
to the safe disposal site within a set time period, the bomb would "explode" with
flashing lights and audio explosion sounds. Presented to Mattel toys.
Bar Light™
A small injection molded plastic device which snaps onto bicycle handle
bars and accepts a Mini-Mag flashlight for use as a headlight.
Glu-it Tape™
A two or three part tape containing evenly spaced depressions or "bubbles"
of adhesive. The tape can be torn off in sections to leave one or more bubbles
in one strip. The bubbles are frangible and can be used to dispense controlled
portions of any number of different adhesives. Presently being reviewed by
3M Adhesive division.
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Patent plaque for Jim Riordan's
Card-It™ invention |
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Card-It™
Method of attaching business cards to graphic presentations, windows,
desks, computers, windshields etc.
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Jim Riordan's Exec-You-Tiv
digital calculator |
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The Exec-You-Tiv™ Digital Calculator
A novelty item. One of the very first solid state "digital" calculators . . . even has a memory when you put the string around your finger!.
Photo Finish™
Method of determining winner of Mattel Hot wheels™ race cars on track
Driver head for "Mass Termination Systems"
This device made it possible to terminate a complete wiring harness into
one connector with one "shot". It was invented-to-order for A.M.P. Corporation.
Fastraw™
A container for children's juice drinks featuring a built-in cardboard
straw. Safer, cleaner and easier for kids to use than the common "poke
the-straw through-the-top-of-the-box-type container.
Makeup shaker
Simple battery operated device shakes and quickly mixes ladies'
fingernail polish, mascara etc.
Skydiver Drop 'em a Note Pads™
Shaped like a skydiver in freefall, these unique patent pending notes get
prompt attention from co-workers and kids alike. They simulate a skydiver
in freefall and can be formed to make them do turns and other freefall
stunts. Attach several of them together and link 'em up for
"relative work." Hours of fun for kids. Great training demo device
for skydiving centers.
The Pocket Weatherman
100% accurate and up to the minute weather advisories from our portable,
pocket sized, solid state weather information gathering device. A
perfect gag gift for any person involved in outdoor recreation including
golfers, hunters, fishermen, pilots, rafters, horseback riders, backpackers,
motorcycle riders, snowmobilers, etc.
resume | community involvement | accomplishments | author | inventions, trademarks & patents | hobbies
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