Brochure illustration: Ashwood models his invention - please click image for larger version

Musician and inventor Henry Ashwood is launching a new, patented warming and insulating unit for trumpet that was designed with help from NASA's Technology Outreach Program. A Tampa Tribune article explains: "As Ashwood and hundreds of other Florida business people have learned, NASA's mission isn't just exploration of the final frontier. Its charter mandates that it share what it learns in the process." What has come out of it is a new and innovative product line of musical instrument warming technologies, which is now seeking serious investors or licensing agreements for global marketing.

Henry Ashwood writes: "I am the inventor and product developer of the "Musical Instrument Warmer / Protector Temperature Control Unit". This invention should be a welcome accessory for windblown instruments and is now available exclusively for trumpet players. Developments for other brass instruments are being designed.

"Briefly stated, this is the first and only musical instrument temperature protection apparatus of its kind. NASA engineers assisted in the research and development and Rob Elkins, the inventor of voicemail, completed the final development of the temperature control unit at Elk Industries. The unique features of my invention are that it is composed of durable, waterproof fabrics that provide thermal installation, has custom color and logo options, and has the dual ability to warm or be converted into a carrying case or gig bag.

"The Musical Instrument Warmer / Protector Temperature Control Unit will ultimately extend the life and reduce the maintenance needed for the musical instrument by protecting the finish and keeping the instrument cased or protected while allowing the instrumentalist to perform when others can't due to inclement weather conditions. This product will become a necessity once it's available on the market."

Please contact Henry Ashwood Jr. for additional information:

• Phone: 727-417-8335 (international: +1 727-417-8335)
• Email: ashmusic@tampabay.rr.com
• Ashwood Enterprises
  PO Box 13813
  St Petersburg FL 33733
  USA

UPDATE 1st December 2004

The product is now on the market, priced at US$59.95, and has its own website at www.brasswarmer.com. An updated ITG News story will shortly bring readers fully up to date on this product.