Gaithersburg, MD -- Recent hurricanes Frances and Ivan have been devastating but the future could be brighter thanks to a man in Maryland who has invented a "hurricane stopper."

Dr. Win Wenger says his storm-stopping device uses air compressors to release bubbles on the ocean floor, which then pushes cold water up to the surface to cool off the hot pockets of ocean water that fuel hurricanes.

Wenger figures the "Hurricane Stopper" will defuse a massive storm quicker than letting it die out naturally -- and also supply minerals for the sea life in the water.

Similar devices have been used to prevent sedimentation in harbors but Wenger estimates it would cost $40 million to build a machine capable of protecting a 120-square-mile area.

Still, Wenger says his "Hurricane Stopper" could easily be built in time for next summer's hurricane season and is so confident his device will do the job that he has placed plans on his website, www.winwenger.com, just in case anyone wants to build one.

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