The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 3 Episode 6 Spider Catcher
- November 12, 2016
In this episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, viewers will be introduced to the Spider Catcher. Host Mo Rocca takes us on a journey through the creation of this innovative tool that helps safely remove spiders from homes and offices.
The episode opens with Rocca meeting with Dr. David Penney, a spider specialist who has been studying spiders for over 20 years. Dr. Penney explains that while spiders are an essential part of the ecosystem, many people are afraid of them and can't bear to be in the same room as one. The Spider Catcher was created to solve this problem and help people remove spiders without harming them.
Next, Rocca visits the inventor of the Spider Catcher, Tony Allen. Allen explains that he came up with the idea while watching his daughter try to catch a spider with a glass and a piece of paper. He realized that there had to be a better way and set out to create a tool that could safely catch and release spiders.
Allen demonstrates how the Spider Catcher works by placing a fake spider on the floor. He approaches the spider with the catcher and uses the bristles at the end to gently trap the spider. The Spider Catcher's long handle allows the user to keep a safe distance, and the spider can be easily released outside.
Rocca then visits a company that produces the Spider Catcher. He observes the manufacturing process and learns that the tool is made mostly by hand. The employees at the company take pride in their work, knowing that they are creating a tool that helps people care for their homes without causing harm to spiders.
The episode also features a segment on the Big Barker, a dog bed designed to provide support and comfort for large dogs. Rocca meets with the inventor of the bed, Eric Shannon, who explains that he created the Big Barker because he was tired of buying low-quality dog beds that didn't hold up over time.
Shannon demonstrates the durability and comfort of the Big Barker by putting a concrete block on the bed and jumping on it. The bed doesn't compress, proving that it can support even the largest dogs without losing its shape.
Another segment of the episode highlights the SaniPortables, a portable handwashing station that can be used in places where traditional sinks are not available. Rocca visits the inventor to learn more about the product and how it has been used in disaster relief efforts and outdoor events.
Finally, the episode ends with a segment on the AquaJet H2, a device that uses high-pressure water to clean teeth. Rocca meets with the inventor of the AquaJet H2, Dr. Chris Kammer, who explains that the device is a safe and effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.
Overall, this episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation showcases several innovative products designed to improve daily life. From the Spider Catcher to the Big Barker, viewers will learn about some of the latest inventions that are helping us take care of our homes, pets, and even our teeth.