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Guardian Helicopter Water Bucket/Firefighting Equipment Safety Enhancing Aerial Firefighting System for Government Contractors There are currently no reviews for this Innovation.
| Guardian Helicopter Water Bucket/Firefighting Equipment
Safety Enhancing Aerial Firefighting System for Government Contractors |
|
The Guardian helicopter bucket reduces pilot workload, offering enhaced safety and 20% improved efficiency through automatic weight management and dispensing of fire retardant. |
 Annual Sales Forecast for USA * | Innovation Status |
Idea |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
Development
Status |
Proprietary
Protection Status |
Concept
Score |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$2,500 |
$17,000 |
3 of 5
Final Design
|
5 of 5
Granted Patent Claims
|
53 29 is
Average
|
| Low Support |
$29,000 |
$78,000 |
$170,000 |
| Medium Support |
$230,000 |
$530,000 |
$1.0 M |
| High Support |
$640,000 |
$1.4 M |
$2.8 M |
Remaining Time & Cost to First Sale |
| Ultra High |
$1.1 M |
$2.6 M |
$5.2 M |
6 mos-1 yr
|
< $10k
|
Guardian Helicopter Water Bucket/Firefighting Equipment
- Safety Enhancing Aerial Firefighting System for Government Contractors
Final Decision Maker: GSA Purchasing Officer, State Fire Aviation Officer, Managers of Fire Fighting Contractor Companies, National Guard Helicopter Commanding Officers, Foreign Military Helicopter Organization Commanders, Managers of Private Timber Growers, GSA
Automatic weight management and computer control accuracy increase loading efficiency 20% and increases safety by lowering pilot work load. Reducing pilot work load during bucket loading at hover allows the pilot to concentrate on other factors contributing to pilot error. Not all wild fires can be fought from the ground and helicopter carried water buckets are well known for use in fighting forest fires. Filling helicopter water buckets is a risky task for the pilot. The pilot must maintain a hover in adverse conditions while filling the bucket to a point that does not overload the helicopter. During operation close to the ground, prompt and precise flight control movements are required to avoid obtacles. The most common factor associated with helicopter obstacle-strike accidents is high pilot work loads. Federal Aviation Administration published reports confirm pilot work load is the greatest cause of accidents related to human error. Using space age structural urethane, the Guardian bucket is in the final design stage. Weighing 33% less than its competition, Guardian provides corrosion proof enhanced high impact strength and durability at lighter weight over aluminum materials. The Aerial Firefighting Specialists Guardian water bucket design has been operationally used two fire seasons by Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc. on U.S. Government firefighting contracts, having operated thousands of cycles with zero failures. Leasing and service contracts are available as options to purchase. Guardian buckets are available in several sizes; however, the computer control technology allows the bucket to manage weight on any size helicopter, regardless of bucket size. For example, due to the automatic weight management system a helicopter designed to carry 2000 pounds of water can use a Guardian bucket capable of 3000 pounds capacity as was demonstrated to the Italian Department of Forestry. Duane Powers is the inventor; having a degree in mechanical engineering and over 30 years aerial firefighting experience. Duane has served as President of the Aerial Firefighting Industry Association and as a founding Steering Commitee Member for the National Aerial Firefighting Academy. Duane's father invented the worlds first collapsible helicopter water bucket, Patent No. U. S. 3,661,211 A in 1972.
| $22,000 for one bucket system | Seeking: Research, Purchase, Investment, Distribution, Manufacturing/R&D |
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* Consumption sales forecast. Does not include "Random" events or "Inventory Fill". Forecast is for Year 1 for Large or Year 2 for Small Companies.
Forecast should be read as ..."With Low marketing support there is an 80% odds of achieving sales of at least... |
| Listing #: USA.76.040109.013 |
Page 1 of 5 |
Date Posted: 2009-04-09 |
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| ©2008. Eureka! Institute. All Rights Reserved. Patents Granted or Pending Eureka! Ranch International www.EurekaRanch.com (513) 271-9911 |
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Report Assumptions and Inventor(s) Commentary
|
|
| Inventor(s) Assumptions |
"Most Likely"
Estimate |
Confidence |
Inventor(s) Commentary
Data Source or Basis for Assumptions |
| # of Possible Final Decision Makers |
300 |
80% |
The final decision makers total is estimated using the number of private, government, and military helicopter organizations involved in helicopter aerial firefighting.
|
| Revenue per First Purchase |
$44,000.00 |
90% |
First purchase revenue estimate is based on discussions with helicopter operators and professional technology nich analysis, including customer demonstration feedback. |
| % that will Repeat |
45% |
90% |
The % repeat rate estimates are based on actual firefighting helicopter company use, world helicopter firefighting growth, and over 20 years helicopter and bucket experience. |
| Number of Annual Repeats |
2 |
90% |
The number of repeat estimates is based on actual sales experience of earlier bucket models, bucket loss and wear and tear on competitor buckets needing replaced. |
| Revenue per Repeat Purchase |
$66,000.00 |
90% |
The repeat revenue estimate is based on actual sales observation experience and discussions with helicopter operators and potential customers. |
| Reseller (Trade) Margin |
N/A |
N/A |
|
| Producer Profit (EBITD) |
15% |
80% |
The licensee or producer net profit margin estimate is based on actual production costs of Guardian bucket prototype and competitor sales pricing obtained from GSA and customers. |
| |
| Innovation Status |
|
Development
Status |
3 of 5
Final Design
|
Extensive testing of metal structure bucket has been completed in real world firefighting contract enviroment; structural urethane version moving toward manufacturing ready. |
| Cost to First Sale (remaining) |
< $10k |
90% |
The cost from today to first sale is based on work toward completion of manufacturing ready status through funding allocated by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant. |
| Time to First Sale (remaining) |
6 mos-1 yr |
90% |
The time from today to first sale estimate is based on scheduled completion of the SBIR Guardian bucket project by November 2009. |
| Confidence in Concept Claims made in description |
90% |
The basis for confidence estimate is supported by extensive ground and flight testing in addition to real world operational use on wild fire contracts. |
Proprietary
Protection Status |
5 of 5
Granted Patent Claims
|
Aerial Firefighting Specialists holds the Patent No. US 7,182,145 B2, issued Feb. 27, 2007 on the Water Bucket System for the Guardian water bucket technology. |
| Concept Score & Diagnostics |
|
|
| Concept Diagnostics |
Red |
Yellow |
Green |
| Percentile Group |
Bottom 40% |
Middle 40% |
Top 20% |
| Overt Benefit |
|
 |
|
| Reason to Believe |
|
|
|
| Dramatic Difference |
|
|
|
|
| Listing #: USA.76.040109.013 |
Page 2 of 5 |
Date Posted: 2009-04-09 |
| ©2008. Eureka! Institute. All Rights Reserved. Patents Granted or Pending Eureka! Ranch International www.EurekaRanch.com (513) 271-9911 |
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Inventor Commentary & Alternative Development Scenarios
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|
| Inventor(s) Sales Goals |
| Minimum Goal |
$0.2 M |
Current GOAL |
$0.7 M |
The computer controlled Guardian G400 bucket system is seen in action, demonstrating the electrically actuated precision flow HydroStable valve and weight management system. |
Inventor(s) Commentary:
Final decision makers are virtually any manager or officer in charge of a helicopter company or government or military helicopter organization.
Pricing and sales strategies are flexible in that the Guardian bucket fits well with direct sales, leasing, and annual service contracts.
The Guardian bucket can be readily produced using a liscense to manufacture agreement precluding the need for purchase of equipment and production facilities. |
|
CURRENT SALES FORECAST |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$2,500 |
$17,000 |
| Low Support |
$29,000 |
$78,000 |
$170,000 |
| Medium Support |
$230,000 |
$530,000 |
$1.0 M |
| High Support |
$640,000 |
$1.4 M |
$2.8 M |
| Ultra High |
$1.1 M |
$2.6 M |
$5.2 M |
If MARKETING CONCEPT Improved (Increase Concept Score by +20 Points) |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$3,500 |
$23,000 |
| Low Support |
$40,000 |
$110,000 |
$240,000 |
| Medium Support |
$320,000 |
$740,000 |
$1.4 M |
| High Support |
$880,000 |
$2.0 M |
$3.9 M |
| Ultra High |
$1.6 M |
$3.6 M |
$7.1 M |
If PRODUCT/SERVICE Improved (Increase Repeat Rate & Number of Repeats by 30% and Revenue Per Purchase 20%) |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$3,500 |
$25,000 |
| Low Support |
$40,000 |
$120,000 |
$290,000 |
| Medium Support |
$320,000 |
$800,000 |
$1.8 M |
| High Support |
$920,000 |
$2.2 M |
$4.8 M |
| Ultra High |
$1.6 M |
$3.9 M |
$8.7 M |
If MARKETING CONCEPT and PRODUCT/SERVICE Improved (Increase Concept +20 Points, Repeat Rate & Number of repeats by 30% and Revenue per purchase 20%) |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$5,000 |
$36,000 |
| Low Support |
$57,000 |
$170,000 |
$400,000 |
| Medium Support |
$450,000 |
$1.1 M |
$2.4 M |
| High Support |
$1.3 M |
$3.0 M |
$6.6 M |
| Ultra High |
$2.2 M |
$5.5 M |
$12.0 M |
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| Listing #: USA.76.040109.013 |
Page 3 of 5 |
Date Posted: 2009-04-09 |
| ©2008. Eureka! Institute. All Rights Reserved. Patents Granted or Pending Eureka! Ranch International www.EurekaRanch.com (513) 271-9911 |
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Additional Details
|
|
| Fair Market Royalty (%) |
| |
Conservative - 80% Odds
Royalty Percentage |
Most Likely - 50% Odds
Royalty Percentage |
Aggressive - 20% Odds
Royalty Percentage |
| At CURRENT State & Status |
2.2% |
3% |
3.8% |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Annual Inventor Royalty Revenue |
3 Year Value
to Inventor
If 50% Odds |
| 80% Odds |
50% Odds |
20% Odds |
| Ultra Low Support |
$69 |
$180 |
$340 |
$540 |
| Low Support |
$1,100 |
$2,500 |
$4,200 |
$7,400 |
| Medium Support |
$7,500 |
$16,000 |
$26,000 |
$47,000 |
| High Support |
$21,000 |
$43,000 |
$71,000 |
$130,000 |
| Ultra High Support |
$37,000 |
$77,000 |
$130,000 |
$230,000 |
| Sales & Marketing Support Level Assumptions |
| Sales & Marketing Support Level Assumptions |
Sample Numbers |
% Aware x
% Distribution
(Aware & Able) |
Inventor
Confidence |
| % Distribution |
% Awareness |
| Ultra Low Support (Word of Mouth) |
5% |
3% |
0.2% |
N/A |
| Low Support (Small Company) |
20% |
10% |
2% |
% |
| Medium Support (Medium Sized Company) |
50% |
25% |
13% |
N/A |
| High Support (Large Company) |
75% |
45% |
34% |
N/A |
| Ultra High Support (Mega or Niche) |
90% |
70% |
63% |
N/A |
|
Graph of EQUIVALENT (Awareness x Distribution) Combinations
 |
NAICS Industry Codes
For This Invention |
| 33641 - Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing |
| 33451 - Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Cont... |
| 33411 - Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing |
| 32615 - Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyre... |
| 11531 - Support Activities for Forestry |
|
| Patent Numbers that apply to this Product/Service |
| 7,182,145 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
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| Inventor(s) PEDIGREE |
| Years EXPERIENCE in related industry |
25 |
| GRANTED Patents |
1 |
| Licensing Deals SIGNED |
0 |
| Innovations that have SHIPPED |
4 |
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For USA Patents: Utility Patent = 7 digit number, Design Patent starts with D, Planet Patent starts with PP. Provisional Application "61/xxx,xxx", Non provisional application "12/xxx,xxx", Design patent application "29/xxx,xxx"
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CAUTION: This Merwyn Business Simulation Research Report includes no warranty or guarantee. Results and opinions should be considered rough and directional in nature. This is because the report is based upon inventor-supplied data and simplified modeling methods. If you are looking to invest, distribute, purchase or become involved with this innovation, in any way, we strongly urge you to validate the inventor data and sales forecasts BEFORE committing yourself or your resources. Merwyn Research, Inc. shall not be responsible for any liability or damages arising out of the failure to perform such investigation and validation. Changes in the concept description, product, pricing, or input assumptions will almost certainly change results.
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| Listing #: USA.76.040109.013 |
Page 4 of 5 |
Date Posted: 2009-04-09 |
| ©2008. Eureka! Institute. All Rights Reserved. Patents Granted or Pending Eureka! Ranch International www.EurekaRanch.com (513) 271-9911 |
|
Additional Forecasts for Other Countries
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|
 Annual Sales - Probability Forecast - Canada |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$400 |
$2,600 |
| Low Support |
$4,500 |
$12,000 |
$28,000 |
| Medium Support |
$37,000 |
$84,000 |
$170,000 |
| High Support |
$100,000 |
$230,000 |
$450,000 |
| Ultra High |
$180,000 |
$410,000 |
$820,000 |
 Annual Sales - Probability Forecast - United Kingdom |
Sales & Marketing
Support Level |
Conservative
80% odds
of selling |
Most Likely
50% odds
of selling |
Aggressive
20% odds
of selling |
| Ultra Low |
$0 |
$710 |
$4,700 |
| Low Support |
$8,000 |
$22,000 |
$49,000 |
| Medium Support |
$66,000 |
$150,000 |
$290,000 |
| High Support |
$180,000 |
$410,000 |
$800,000 |
| Ultra High |
$320,000 |
$740,000 |
$1.5 M |
Forecast are calculated based on population, (PPP) purchasing power parity, International Trade, Urbanization and the Human Growth Index.
Forecast can be skewed for some industries, so for best results, adjusting the number of final decision makers for every country is recommended.
| Listing #: USA.76.040109.013 |
Page 5 of 5 |
Date Posted: 2009-04-09 |
| ©2008. Eureka! Institute. All Rights Reserved. Patents Granted or Pending Eureka! Ranch International www.EurekaRanch.com (513) 271-9911 |
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