When a piece of equipment fails to meet
their expectations, farmers Jerrell and
Russell Harden do not grumble or throw it
away in frustration -- they start thinking
of ways to make it better.
Jerrell and Russell Harden
It is a habit that has resulted in 13 patents
so far and numerous patentable inventions
for the father and son.
Improving the Farm Operations
They are inventing in their heads all the
time, often looking for ways to make their
agricultural operations more efficient.
Jerrell, an FLBA of South Alabama customer
and retired farmer, lives near
Brundidge, Ala. His son, Russell, owns a
poultry operation.
Recently, Russell invented an overhead
venting system utilizing solar heat, which
he installed in his poultry houses. The
small unit opens and closes automatically,
drawing air from overhead to heat the
houses in the wintertime. It warms the air
10 to 18 degrees and reduces heating costs. The commercial units are 12 vents per
house and cost about $1,300. Russell installed
50 small vents per house; it took
about an hour per house to install, and cost
about $120 |
Inventing All the Time
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per house. Based on the fuel
savings, it was time and money well spent. "With the cost of propane these days,
any little improvement can save a lot of money," says his father, Jerrell. "That little
invention is really neat. Russell enjoys
inventing, and he's a natural at it. In fact,
he's better than I am."
Patents for Farm Equipment,
Health Care
For many years, the Hardens' patents focused
mainly on farm equipment. They
have sold inventions to eight different
companies. Of these, the best known is
Ro-Till, which Jerrell developed in the
1970s with his brother Leo.
Ro-Till combines the best of conventional
and no-till farming. In one pass, the planter
prepares the seedbed; the row is under
tillage but mulch remains in the middle,
conserving moisture. Today, thousands of
units are in operation.
Jerrell's more recent patents, however,
have been for health-care equipment.
As he and his wife have cared for aging
parents, he has realized the need for
safer, more convenient products that will help people with disabilities and
their caregivers.
For example, he invented a wheelchair
lock to prevent falls. He also developed
a powered wheelchair that can lift a
person weighing up to 400 pounds
from a wheelchair into a shower. It is
rewarding for him to know that this
and other ideas will help people.
Cost of Inventing
Although it requires a big investment
of both time and money, the Hardens
enjoy the mental exercise that goes
into developing something new or
improved.
"It is something I enjoy doing, because
I like the challenge," Jerrell says.
"Inventing is my hobby -- but it's an
expensive hobby."
The Hardens estimate that it typically takes
about two years and as much as $10,000
to $12,000 to obtain a patent.
- Staff |
Tips for
Obtaining a Patent
Jerrell Harden has been through the patent
process more than a dozen times. He offers
these insights about what you should know.
Do a Search
First, do a patent search. You can do it yourself
on the Internet, but an attorney will
do a more thorough search. If you hire an
attorney, expect to pay about $300 to $600.
Sketch the Idea
You will need to have a drawing of your
idea. You can sketch the drawing yourself
or hire a draftsman to make a more detailed,
accurate drawing. A draftsman usually
charges more than $300 for this service.
Pass the "Patent Test"
There are two criteria to pass a patent
exam: Is it a novel idea? Is it non-obvious?
An idea must be both novel and nonobvious
in order to be patented.
Understand the
Different Types
There are three types of patents:
1. Utility patents may be granted to anyone
who invents or discovers any new and
useful process, machine, article of manufacture,
or composition of matter, or any
new and useful improvement thereof;
2. Design patents may be granted to
anyone who invents a new, original
and ornamental design for an article of
manufacture; and
3. Plant patents may be granted to anyone
who invents or discovers and asexually
reproduces any distinct and new
variety of plant.
For the type of work he does, Harden believes
a utility patent is best. There are two
types of utility patents: provisional and
nonprovisional. The provisional is good
for one year. It gives a person more time to
do research. You might apply for a provisional
patent, and within a year, apply for a
nonprovisional patent. The nonprovisional
lasts for 20 years.
Hire a Patent Attorney
A patent attorney can help facilitate the patent
process. Harden has used attorneys in
New York, Washington, D.C. and Birmingham,
Ala. Legal fees on average will range
from $10,000 to $12,000, although fees for
complicated patents could be higher. |
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