Columnist Highlights Top Inventions of 2004

By: E&P Staff Paul Niemann, who writes a column about inventions, has named the top five inventions of 2004.

"This list recognizes the Davids rather than the Goliaths -- meaning that you won't see the names of big companies behind any of these inventions," said Niemann, whose feature is distributed by the American Profile Hometown Content syndication service.

The inventions include a portable water sterilizer, a product that contains 20 different kitchen utensils, an electronic gadget that turns exercise machines into power generators for entertainment devices such as TVs, an emergency-light blanket for motorists, and an egg-shaped child-safety seat.

Niemann (www.inventionmysteries.com) is author of the "Invention Mysteries" book.