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What would the world be without GPS or Wi-Fi? Without
some of the women on this list, the world could be a more dangerous
place. Less safe. Less interesting. Inventions are fascinating. They
come about after many years, decades, or centuries of evolution. The
women on this list made remarkable contributions to the world of
technology. These are some brilliant things invented by women that
changed the world.
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A Woman Invents Paper Bags
Margaret Knight, dubbed “Lady Edison,” was a prolific inventor. Knight’s
inventions include a safety device for textile looms, an internal
combustion engine, the machine that manufactures paper shopping bags –
the same shopping bags we use today! She received the Decoration of the
Royal Legion of Honor by Queen Victoria in 1871 and became part of the
National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006.
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A Woman Invents Invisible Glass
Katharine Blodgett became the first woman scientist hired at the General
Electric research lab. She created “invisible” glass, which allowed 99%
of light to pass through and no light reflections. The glass was first
used in Hollywood cinematography in 1939. Today the glass has many
applications. It is often used in telescopes, camera lenses, automobile
windows, eyeglasses, and picture frames. |
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A Woman Invents Monopoly
Two designers have the credit for inventing Monopoly – Charles Darrow
and Elizabeth Magie. Monopoly was at first used for educational
purposes, a way to show the economic consequences and ill effects of
land monopolies and prove the value of an economy that rewards wealth
creation. The game’s original title was “The Landlord’s Game.” |
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A Woman Invents Solar Heating Systems
Mária Telkes was a pioneering scientist who worked on solar energy
technologies. She was one of the founders of solar thermal storage
systems. She designed the first solar heating system. Her role in solar
innovations earned her the nickname “sun queen.” The American Solar
Energy Society recognized her in 1977, giving her the Charles Greeley
Abbot Award. |
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A Woman Invents Wireless Technology
Once named “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Hedy Lamarr was a
famous and fortunate Hollywood actress. During World War II, German
submarines began to torpedo passenger ships. Hedy developed “spread
spectrum” and “frequency hopping” technology. She obtained a patent in
1942.The principles of her work now serve as the basis for many modern
technologies, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. She joined the
National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.
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A Woman Invents Computer Programming Language
Grace Hopper was a leader and innovator of computer programming
language. Grace Hopper worked as a programmer on the first computer,
specifically the Harvard Mark 1 in 1944. Her development, COBOL, was one
of the first high-level computer programming languages. She also
popularized the term “computer bug” or “debugging” for fixing computer
glitches.
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A Woman Invents Bulletproof Vests
Stephanie Kwolek was a chemist at DuPont for over 40 years. She
developed the synthetic fiber Kevlar (Bulletproof Vest) in 1965. Kevlar
is five times stronger than steel. Today, it’s used as military personal
armor like combat helmets, ballistic face masks, and bulletproof vests.
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