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: AUSTIN—Valence Technology Inc., a manufacturer of advanced energy storage solutions, announced its lithium phosphate batteries earned favorable first phase reviews during a large electric vehicle assessment program being conducted by Ford-Werke GmbH in Cologne, Germany.
As part of the colognE-mobile study, Smith Electric Vehicles in the UK manufactured and delivered 10 Smith Edison(TM) electric vehicles to Ford in February 2010. The study has been underway for 15 months and Ford recently announced that the vehicles are meeting reliability, practicality, and ease-of-use goals.
The all-electric Smith Edison uses the Ford Transit chassis, has a 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lbs) payload and utilizes Valence's patented lithium phosphate batteries. The Edison vehicles utilized in this program have a range of up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) with a top speed of 80 km/hour (50mph), powered by a 90kW (122hp) 3-phase AC induction motor.
“Several hundred Smith all-electric commercial vehicles are in operation throughout Europe,” said Geoff Allison, managing director Europe, Smith Electric Vehicles in a prepared statement. “The Edison project is further evidence of the ability of Smith and Valence to develop reliable alternative power delivery fleets to meet market needs.”
“Valence is pleased to partner with Smith Electric and Ford on the Edison, a zero-emission vehicle that is perfectly suited for light deliveries in European urban areas,” said Valence chief technology officer K.C. Lim in a statement. “We are gratified that the test results affirm the suitability and reliability of our technology and are proud to continue to be at the forefront in bringing innovation to the commercial vehicle market.”
Valence Technology develops and makes lithium iron magnesium phosphate advanced energy storage solutions and integrated command and control logic. Headquartered in Austin, Valence products are used in commercial electric vehicles as well as industrial and marine equipment. In addition to the corporate headquarters in Texas, Valence Technology has its research and development center in Nevada, its Europe/Asia Pacific Sales office in Northern Ireland and global fulfillment centers in North America and Europe.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to stories Texas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Chemical Safety Board shut out of West probe by ATF; America’s greatest threat: Unsafe work conditions; The West News proves the value of a great weekly newspaper in a community torn up with grief and chaos; Chinese investors checking out Texas, Austin; Texas makes bounce house operators carry liability coverage, but not plants like West Fertilizer; bSpaceX’s Grasshopper leaping to NM spaceport;American Airlines, US Airways to name post-merger leadership within weeks; and more.
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