Image: Keith Brofsky/Getty Images
About This Quiz
Now why should an inventor need a technology library? It could be a source of information and even inspiration. Take this quiz to be informed and inspired about technology libraries.
What do most people do with ideas for new inventions?
apply for patents
nothing much
Usually they don't do much about those ideas.
publish on Wikipedia
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For whom can a technology library be especially necessary?
people who need to copy material
people without Internet access
anyone needing updates on new technology
People who depend on innovation need sources of information about new technologies.
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How can a technology library catalyze the innovation process?
by highlighting new technologies
This can be done by highlighting the latest technologies and by offering ideas how to integrate them into new products.
by giving patent application advice
by regulating use of new technology
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What was the recent development by researchers based on a living creature?
cold medicine
adhesive
An adhesive material based on the sticky properties of gecko feet was developed.
automobile fuel
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What type of technology enabled them to create an adhesive patch?
molecular biology
space technology
nanotechnology
Nanotechnology enabled them to create the adhesive patch.
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How do the nanotubes work?
creates a magnetic connection
forms molecular bond with the surface
Like the microscopic hairs on a gecko's feet, the nanotubes form weak molecular bonds on almost any surface.
utilizes changes in air pressure
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Is this development being used today and if so how?
not yet in use
It's still in the prototype stage.
extensively used by mountain climbers
used in space program
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How can this information best be distributed to a wide audience.
specialized scientific publications
Sunday papers' science section
a virtual technological library
This is where a technology library, whether physical or virtual, will take care of publicizing this information.
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Do you know any company that has created a technology library?
Bell laboratories created a communications museum.
Inventables established an Innovation Center.
Inventables , based in Chicago, created an Innovation Center in 2002. This center is in fact a technology library.
NASA opened an on-line technology show case.
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What kinds of samples has the Innovation Center collected?
sand that repels water and porous metals
Some of their offerings are hydrophobic sand that repels water, silver ion antimicrobial agents, waterproof zippers and porous metals.
antimicrobial snow and luminescent metals
waterproof ectoplasm and magnetic zippers
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What other services do Inventables offer?
offer financing for pilot projects
take care of patent protection
organize brainstorming sessions
They set up displays in high-traffic areas, organize brainstorming sessions and open houses.
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What kind of companies make use of Inventables?
communications
Fortune 500
Several Fortune 500 companies use research done by Inventables.
automobile
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What do Microsoft, Mattel and Mercedes-Benz have in common, other than the letter M?
All use ectoplasm.
All employ former Inventables researchers.
All use Innovation Centers.
They are some of the Fortune 500 companies using Innovation Centers.
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Does instant snow exist outside a movie studio set?
yes
It's one of the samples offered by Inventables.
no
only in the plastics industry
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Why set up a display in a high-traffic area?
It is safer.
Passersby can browse freely.
People can browse in their spare time when passing through.
Installation costs are lower.
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You Got:
/15
Keith Brofsky/Getty Images
