We went out to the movies last night to see “Joy”, the biopic loosely based on the life and career of Joy Mangano, creator of the Magic Mop as well as 100 other patented items sold on QVC and HSN. As I watched the movie unfold, it reminded me of my foray in the invention arena.

I was a single mother in the late ’70s, supporting myself and my firstborn working as an X-Ray Tech at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I was faced with x-raying disabled patients and, as the only person in my department, I had to enlist the aid of an orderly or family member to lift the patient up on the table for filming. This was risky on many levels….injury to the patient, radiation exposure to the person holding the film, and general discomfort. I came up with a device to enable me to x-ray patients while seated in a wheelchair which was safer and more cost effective.

I submitted the design for a statewide competition for advances in radiology and won the Lewis Mechanical Award in 1979. I had prototypes made, found some venture capital, and set out to get a patent. The first patent search came back with two or three designs that were similar in parts but not in application. Still, similar enough to not be able to get approval. We prosecuted the patent, but it was rejected a second time. In the meantime, my investors sent me to Picker X-Ray Corporation in Cleveland to meet with the purchaser to carry the “Hemi-daptor” in their accessory catalogue. They loved the idea and wanted to sell it, but I chickened out. I was afraid of being sued if I didn’t have a patent. It was really interesting going through that process and I’ve often wondered how different my live might have been had it been successful.

It also reminds me of the process I’m going through now….the growth and development of Marshmallow Ranch and writing and publishing my books. This is shaping up to be an exciting year and I’m really looking forward to seeing the fruits of my labor.

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PS…don’t forget, if you are in the Cincinnati area, I’m co-hosting a Salon this Sunday, 2-4pm. See the event on this page for details.

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“and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.”

Exodus 35:31-33 NIV