Inventions that changed the world October 2019 / Issue 10 / Vsocluimeen 2ce - technology - beauty - food - medicine PATRICIA BATH Category is Science In 1986, Bath, an ophthalmologist and laser scientist, invented laserphaco—a device and technique used to remove cataracts and revive patients' eyesight and now used internationally. "Do not allow your mind to be imprisoned by majority thinking. Remember that the limits of science are not the limits of imagination” Patricia Bath was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology in 1973. Two years later, she became the first female faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. In 1976, Bath co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which established that "eyesight is a basic human right." In 1986, Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, improving treatment for cataract patients. She patented the device in 1988, becoming the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent. The Potato Chip G e o r g e C r u m Every time a person crunches into a potato chip, he or she is enjoying the delicious taste of one of the world’s most famous snacks – a treat that might not exist without the contribution of Afro Native American inventor(s) George Crum and his sister Catherine Speck Wicks. As the story goes, George was known for making French fries but failed to impress a particular customer who sent the fries back, saying they were cut too thick. Agitated, George then cut the potatoes in extremely thin circular slices and fried them. When the customer tasted the fries, he loved them. This is widely known to be the story behind the creation of potato chips that became a worldwide phenomenon over time. However, its authenticity remains debated. Later, in 1860, George opened his own restaurant, ‘Crums House,’ in Saratoga Lake ‘. Many VIPs frequented the restaurant. Lisa Gelobter The genius in online animation Lisa Gelobter contributed to the development of animated Gif’s and Shockwave technology, paving the way for internet animation and entertainment. She also contributed to the creation of the online video. Today, Lisa Gelobter works at the White House with the United States Digital Service, making a career as the Chief Digital Service Office with the US Department of Education. Mark Dean "There may be obstacles, but there are no limits." Computer scientist and engineer Mark Dean helped develop a number of landmark technologies for IBM, including the color PC monitor and the first gigahertz chip. He holds three of the company's original nine patents. He also invented the Industry Standard Architecture system bus with engineer Dennis Moeller, allowing for computer plug-ins such as disk drives and printers. Garret Morgan "If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?" On November 20, 1923, the U.S. Patent Office granted Patent No. 1,475,074 to 46-year-old inventor and newspaperman Garrett Morgan for his three-position traffic signal. Though Morgan’s was not the first traffic signal (that one had been installed in London in 1868), it was an important innovation nonetheless: By having a third position besides just “Stop” and “Go,” it regulated crossing vehicles more safely than earlier signals had. "When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of products using peanuts (not peanut butter, as is often claimed), sweet potatoes, and soybeans. Born an African American slave a year before slavery was outlawed, Carver left home at a young age to pursue an education and would eventually earn his Master’s degree in agricultural science from Iowa State University. He would go on to teach and conduct research at Tuskegee University for decades. Soon after his death, his childhood home would be named a national monument — the first of its kind to honor an African American. GRANVILLE T. WOODS MARIE VAN BRITTAN BROWN The mother of modern-day home The man of many Patents security! Woods accumulated nearly 60 patents African American inventor Marie Van Brittan during his lifetime (1856-1910) many of Brown contributed to a safer society with which improved the functioning of railroads. her invention of the first home security He is most notable for the induction system. Her invention was the first closed- telegraph system, which allowed traveling circuit television security system and paved trains to communicate with one another the way for modern home security systems while also allowing dispatchers to locate used today. In 1969, Brown and her them, and the first electricity powered husband received a patent for the invention railway. under the U.S. Patent number 3,482,037. She received an award from the National Woods sold his inventions to a number of Scientists Committee for her work. Brown’s companies, including the American Bell contribution to home security led her Telephone Company and the General invention to be cited in 32 subsequent Electric Company. patent applications. Her work is still relevant in today’s society with use in places such as banks, office buildings, and apartment complexes. First Black Woman Millionaire Madame CJ Walker Walker’s method, known as the “Walker system,” involved scalp preparation, lotions, and iron combs. Her custom pomade was a wild success. While other products for Black hair (largely manufactured by white businesses) were on the market, she differentiated hers by emphasizing its attention to the health of women who would use it. She sold her homemade products directly to Black women, using a personal approach that won her loyal customers. She went on to employ a fleet of saleswomen to sell the product whom she called “beauty culturalists.” As profits continued to grow, in 1908 Walker opened a factory and a beauty school in Pittsburgh, and by 1910, when Walker transferred her business operations to Indianapolis, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company had become wildly successful, with profits that were the modern-day equivalent of several million dollars. In Indianapolis, the company not only manufactured cosmetics but also trained sales beauticians. These "Walker Agents" became well known throughout the Black communities of the United States. In turn, they promoted Walker's philosophy of "cleanliness and loveliness" as a means of advancing the status of African Americans. "Do not be limited by what others expect of you, but confidently reach for the stars." PERSPECTIVE SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON Jackson, the first African American woman to earn a doctorate at MIT, is responsible for monumental telecommunications research that led to the invention of products such as the touch-tone phone, portable fax, fiber optic cables, and caller ID. In 2014 President Barack Obama named her the co-chair of the President's Intelligence Advisory. In 1976, Dr. Jackson joined the Theoretical Physics Research Department at AT&T Bell Laboratories. At Bell, Dr. Jackson conducted a number of successful theoretical physics experiments and made breakthrough scientific research that enabled others to invent the fax machine, the touch- tone phone, fiber optic cells, solar cells, and the technology behind caller ID and call waiting. She is the first African-American woman to have earned a doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Jackson has achieved a number of firsts in her career. She is the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT. --in any subject. She is the first African-American to become a Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She is both the first woman and the first African-American to serve as the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission..