American Inventor 2, Episode 2: California Dreamin’

OK, folks, here we go again with the ingenious and the crazy!

Nick, our host, lets us know some catch-up information and what is to come. Last week, the judges began their nationwide search for the next great American Inventor in the West Coast cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Now, the search continues for the best invention in America.

Tonight, one winner from each city will be revealed. These two winners will be one step closer to the one million dollar prize and the title of American Inventor. This week, we are back in the cities of L.A. and San Francisco, looking for the best inventions the West Coast has to offer. Only one winner from each city will get a check for $50,000 to further develop their invention and compete against winners from four other cities for the grand prize.

But first, the inventors must impress our expert judges, who have a collective wealth of over one billion dollars.

George Foreman has established himself as the judge who sees the good in everything. Sara Blakely grew her invention Spanx into a global fashion force. She knows what works and how to sell it. Pat Croce, entrepreneur and best-selling author, has become the voice of reason among the judges. Peter Jones, British mogul with a half-billion dollar business empire, may be the toughest judge of all.

So, what exactly are the judges looking for?

Pat explains: "We're looking for an inventor with a really creative idea that has mass appeal, is marketable, and comes on really strong with a passionate pitch. They have to sell us, or we're not buying."

That search continues now.

First up is Milton Butler, a 44-year-old mechanic. Milton managed to come up with his invention with 12 children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 adopted children. Wow. The Lawn Master Five in One Mower is his creation. Milton tells us that it edges, it weeds, it picks up, and mulches. No broom or weed-eater necessary. Milton calls it a fat man's dream, and tells us that he built it in his wife's kitchen. Sara and Pat laugh. Good sign.

Pat asks if it attaches to any lawn mower or just the one Milton has with him. Milton answers that it will attach to any lawn mower. George asks how much money he has put into it, and Milton answers that he has put $1200 - $1500 into his invention.

With that, it’s time to vote. Sara votes yes. George votes yes. Peter – "I... I've... strangely, I like it as well. It's a yes." Pat makes it unanimous.

Things are off to a great start in San Francisco!! Or so we think.

Thirty-year-old mortgage broker Skylar Quarles is next. Skylar is pretty intense. His invention is called Mind Frame. We assume that Mind Frame is under the white cloth covering it on the presentation table. We soon find out that we are wrong.

Before Skylar tells us anything about Mind Frame, he gives an odd little pitch. "I'm sure all of you can relate, because we all really are in the same boat. I'm just where you're at right now, just a million miles away." Huh whaaa?

Even George makes a funny confused-looking face. Now, if George is making funny faces, we can only imagine Peter's facial expressions – unfortunately, they don’t show us. Too bad, I'm sure it was priceless.

OK, so we finally find out what Mind Frame is. It consists of two bracelets, one worn on each wrist. Picture a tiny TV screen on a bracelet, with words on the screen. The words on the screens are reminders of Skylar's personal goals. He says he has his very own psychotherapist right there. OK, then.

George comes to the rescue by asking what he is hiding under the white cloth on the table. Skylar tells him that he will tell them at the end. Pat comes to the rescue by saying, "Right now is the end."

Skylar then tells them that it is the brainchild of Mind Frame. He lifts the cloth off of this brainchild. It looks like two black tiered candle holders, with white lights on the top of each. The judges have to ask him what it was. Skylar replies, "It's not there." (mmmmKAY, then!!) "If you vote for me, I will show you." HA!! Nice try, Sky, but no go. Peter declares that he has seen enough and can they just vote now. It's a unanimous no. As Skylar is leaving, Peter is heard saying, "What a ridiculous idea." Ya think?

Outside of the room, Skylar tells us that to him, a no means yes. WHAAAAATT?! To all you ladies out there, beware of this man. Seriously.

Fifty-three-year-old Gregory Smith is next with his Glove Inverter. Basically, it's a stick. It's used to turn latex or rubber gloves inside out so they can dry. He takes off a rubber glove, turning it inside out, barely, and shoves this stick into one finger of the glove, and out pops the glove finger. Riiiight, mmmKAY, then, thank you for calling!! Someone needs to tell this man that all you need to do is blow air into the glove and all the fingers will pop right out. Hey!! Can I get 50 grand to further develop my air invention? Peter says he is ready to vote on the glove stick, as he calls it. (Thank you, Peter!)

It's a unanimous no.

Gregory walks out to tell us that we will all see him all over Fortune 500 magazine, and to mark his words. Well, alrighty, then. NEXT!!

And here comes another stick. Seriously.

55 year old Arbor, (no last name) is a self-employed hippie sort with his Haikichi Stick. The purpose of this stick is to kick and/or throw it around like a combination Hacky Sac, baton, devil-stick, juggling thing. It's supposed to make one feel peaceful while playing with it. Hmm. I think it's time to give up the bong for a bit, Arbor. He throws it to Peter, who says it's a plastic stick. Let's all say it together... Thank you, Peter!

Peter: no. Pat: no .Done. Surely it has to be time to move on to L.A.?