HOUSTON (April 13, 2004) – Houston inventor J.B. Ricci has created an innovative new candle maintenance device with help from the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP). Called the Wick Wizard, Ricci’s patented invention performs all the tasks associated with candle use and maintenance. “I came up with the Wick Wizard concept based on my personal enjoyment of candles. I realized that candle enthusiasts like myself would appreciate an all-in-one candle tool to replace scissors, trimmers, lighters and snuffers,” said Ricci, president of Wick Wizard, LLC.

     After contacting candle manufacturers around the country and receiving positive feedback on his invention, Ricci began researching potential manufacturing firms. At the same time, he wanted to secure a technical assessment of his product. “I needed to know if there was any way to improve Wick Wizard’s efficiency and design before taking it to production,” he said. He turned to SATOP, which provides free technical assistance to small businesses, when he learned of its services from the Houston Inventors Association. SATOP accepted Ricci’s request for technical assistance (RTA) and partnered him with Barrios Technology, Inc., a Houston-based business with expertise in space operations with a focus on engineering, information technology and custom training solutions.

     Eugene Schwanbeck, a power heating articulation lighting control officer (PHALCON) with Barrios, was assigned the challenge. After reviewing the entire design, Schwanbeck recommended adjusting the size of the head of the Wick Wizard to allow it to service candles of many different sizes.

     “I used my experience in software design and development to determine what assumptions, constraints and major functions were required,” said Schwanbeck. “I felt that if the product were too specific, it would not appeal to the widest possible market. I sought to maximize the target audience and increase the product’s potential for success.” Ricci was pleased with Schwanbeck’s assessment. “It was great to hear that my design was fundamentally sound and well-executed. Eugene’s suggestion provided the fine-tuning I needed,” he said.

     The Wick Wizard will be ready for the consumer market in the fall. “I thoroughly enjoyed solving Mr. Ricci’s technical dilemma,” said Schwanbeck. “It was especially gratifying because SATOP benefits economic growth and development immediately, not months or years after the new ideas have been developed and refined.”