THE SEARCH CONTINUES IN HOUSTON AND TAMPA FOR AMERICA'S NEXT BIG INVENTION -- INCLUDING A DEVICE THAT COULD REVOLUTIONIZE COMMUNICATION FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED -- ON ABC'S "AMERICAN INVENTOR"

"Episode 206" � The nationwide search for America's next big invention continues with open casting calls in Houston and Tampa. Viewers will witness inventors pitching their ideas and products to the panel of expert judges to see if their dreams will be realized. Highlights from Houston � George Foreman's hometown � include an apparatus to keep man's best friend fit and entertained, a cooking contraption vying to become the next George Foreman Grill, a life-saving device designed by a Houston SWAT captain, and an invention that could revolutionize communication for the hearing impaired. In Tampa, an enhancement to the everyday coffee pot and a modification to the age-old napkin will be seen. The panel will weigh their decisions as they choose one finalist from each city to continue to the next level, on "American Inventor," WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

"American Inventor's" panel of expert judges are businessman/former heavyweight champion/ordained minister George Foreman, British tycoon Peter Jones, entrepreneur Pat Croce and Spanx creator Sara Blakely. Nick Smith hosts.

"American Inventor" is produced by FremantleMedia North America, Simon Cowell's Syco Television and Peter Jones TV Ltd. Simon Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Siobhan Greene, Peter Jones and Clay Newbill are executive producers. Dug James and Tabitha Hansen are co-executive producers.

This program is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.