Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP broke ground this week on a new nitrogen liquefier at its air separation plant in Cleburne, Texas.
The plant expansion will support market growth and fuel job creation in the region.
The additional liquefier, scheduled to begin commercial production in the third quarter of 2012, will enable Air Liquide to nearly double its supply of industrial gases from the facility in Cleburne to the Texas and Oklahoma merchant markets.
To support the increased production capacity, Air Liquide plans to increase its workforce in Cleburne by at least one-third by hiring as many as 21 permanent employees, including production technicians and truck drivers, in addition to approximately 50 workers needed to construct the expansion.
“Air Liquide is very pleased to announce the expansion of our air separation plant in Cleburne,” said Aire Liquide Industrial US president Mark Lostak in a prepared statement. “The additional capacity further establishes our market presence as we grow to meet the increasing demands of merchant customers in Texas and Oklahoma. On behalf of Air Liquide, I'd like to thank the local community for their support. Air Liquide is proud of its longstanding presence in Cleburne and Johnson County, and we are pleased to be driving growth and new jobs in the region.”
Air Liquide's air separation plant in Cleburne has been in operation since January of 1998, producing oxygen, nitrogen and argon. The facility services a variety of market segments including food & beverage, manufacturing, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.
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