Invent-Tech Rip off my GPT-2000 idea Coral Gables Florida

I presented my ideas to invent-tech and paid over $2000, c1999. But when I didn't pay the rest of the money that they have charged every thing stoped, and 2 to 8 years later I see one of my ideas in the news, and in different states Munisipalities. Invent-Tech told me "I have a Patented invention." But when I called the United States Patent Ofice, I was told that I only had a patent registration which expired after 2 years. This I did not know after a research in 2002 I saw my product on the news at: (http://www.smartphonemag.com/cms/_archives/aug06/portland.aspx) and (http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?s=8401799). When I tried contacting Invent-tech, I was told that "They have no record of my invention, and I have to file a new application with them, if I wanted to continue with my invention."

I had tried contacting a lawyer but they cost money I don't have to fight my case. Now I feel I just have to take the lost, that's just wrong.

Bahd
West Orange, New Jersey
U.S.A.