Black American Inventions 1950 – 1999

🚀 The Second Wave: Black Inventors in the Post-War, Digital Age (1950–1999)

The second half of the 20th century marked a dramatic shift for African American inventors. Moving past the Jim Crow era into the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent digital revolution, Black innovators transitioned from improving mechanical systems to pioneering in medicine, aerospace, computing, and electronic communication. This era saw their talents finally begin to be utilized within major corporations and government sectors, leading to breakthroughs that underpin modern life.

1. The Dawn of the Digital and High-Tech Era

African American inventors became architects of the electronic and information age, contributing fundamental technologies to the rapidly expanding fields of computing and space exploration:

Pioneering Digital Communication: Dr. Jesse Russell, an electrical engineer at Bell Labs, is widely credited with helping to create the foundational concepts for the modern cellular phone system. His work in the 1980s led to the development of the digital cellular base station and the first system that allowed phones to connect wirelessly to fiber-optic networks.
Innovating Aerospace and Medicine: Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist, patented the Laserphaco Probe in 1988, a device that used laser technology to remove cataracts with minimal invasion, restoring sight to countless individuals. Meanwhile, Dr. Mae C. Jemison became the first African American woman in space in 1992, standing as a visible symbol of Black achievement in high-tech federal science programs.
The Computing Revolution: Inventors contributed to the core functionality of computers. For instance, Mark Dean, a chief engineer at IBM, was pivotal in developing the original IBM PC, and he holds three of the company’s nine original patents from that time. He later co-developed the color PC monitor adapter and was instrumental in the creation of the gigahertz chip technology.

2. Shifting Economic and Social Landscapes

The socio-political context of 1950-1999 drastically altered the environment for Black inventors, opening doors in ways the preceding era had not:

Integration and Institutional Access: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent affirmative action policies increased opportunities in education and corporate research. Black engineers, scientists, and technicians began to be hired by major research universities, NASA, and corporate giants like Bell Labs, IBM, and Xerox, gaining access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities previously denied to them.
Corporate Patenting vs. Individual Inventor: In this period, a vast number of patents were granted to corporate research teams rather than individual independent inventors. This pattern meant that while Black scientists and engineers were major contributors, their names appeared on corporate patents, often making their individual recognition more challenging than in the past, a trend observed across all racial groups.
The Rise of the Black Technocrat: The late 20th century saw the emergence of the Black technocrat—highly educated individuals who specialized in complex, future-facing fields. They were no longer primarily inventing around exclusion (as with the Jim Crow era), but were instead inventing at the cutting edge of global technology, directly competing and contributing to the global marketplace.

3. Conclusion: From Mechanical Utility to Digital Innovation

The inventions of the mid-to-late 20th century represent a decisive pivot. Black inventors moved from solving pressing mechanical and logistical problems to laying the essential groundwork for the digital world. Their contributions were no longer confined to utility or domestic convenience but became central to fields like telecommunications, personal computing, and surgical medicine, cementing their status as indispensable contributors to modern global technology.

Here is the list of inventions by Black inventors from 1950 to 1999, formatted according to your requested style: Invention – Inventor – Year – Patent Number.

(Pages in progress)

🔬 Inventions and Patents (1950–1999)

1950 – 1959

Synergistic antioxidants and the methods of preparing the same – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2493288
Preparation of substituted phenols – John Leslie Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2497503
Antioxidant – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2500543
Rotary compressor – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2504841
Production of arecoline – Lawrence Howland Knox – 1950 – Patent: 2506458
System for controlling operation of refrigeration units – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2509099
Synergistic antioxidant – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2511802
Design for air conditioning unit – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: D 159209
Antioxidant flakes – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2511803
Antioxidant salt – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2511804
Synergistic antioxidant containing amino acids – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1950 – Patent: 2518233
Engine actuated ventilating system – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2523273
Apparatus for heating or cooling atmosphere within an enclosure – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2526874
Knockdown wheeled toy – Lydia M. Holmes – 1950 – Patent: 2529692
Prefabricated refrigerator construction – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1950 – Patent: 2535682
Production of protein hydrolysate – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1951 – Patent: 2536171
Artillery Ammunition Training Round – Guion S. Bluford – 1951 – Patent: 2541025
Portable receptacle support – Bessie Virginia Blount Griffin – 1951 – Patent: 2550554
Shifted chemotherapy from a last-resort treatment to a proven, effective option for treating blood cancer and other types of cancer – Jane C. Wright – 1951 – (No patent number provided)
Refrigeration control device – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1952 – Patent: 2581956
Preparation of 12 Di-Primary amines – Walter Lincoln Hawkins – 1952 – Patent: 2587043
Method for treating hair – Virgil Arnett Gant – 1953 – Patent: 2643375
Photochemical preparation of tropilidenes – Lawrence Howland Knox – 1953 – Patent: 2647081
Thermostatic controlled hair curlers combs & irons – Solomon Harper – 1953 – Patent: 2648757
Eder-Palmer biopsy gastrocope – Leonidas Berry – 1953 – (No patent number provided)
Methods and means of defrosting a cold diffuser – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1954 – Patent: 2666298
Method and means for air conditioning – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1954 – Patent: 2696086
Thermostatic controlled fur and material dressing equipment – Solomon Harper – 1955 – Patent: 2711095
Sanitary belt – Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner – 1956 – Patent: 2745406
Hair treating composition & method of use for setting – Virgil Arnett Gant – 1956 – Patent: 2750947
Preparation of cortisone – Percy Lavon Julian – 1956 – Patent: 2752339
Apparatus for handling corrosive acid substances – Edward L. Harris – 1956 – Patent: 2756129
Antioxidant composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1956 – Patent: 2758931
Universal joint – Tony W. Helm – 1956 – Patent: 2760358
Cigarette holder and ash tray – George B. D. Stephens – 1956 – Patent: 2762377
Antioxidant material and use of said material in treating meat – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1956 – Patent: 2772169
Car park – Joseph W. Gilliard – 1956 – Patent: 2771200
Meat-curing salt composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1956 – Patent: 2770551
Method and means for preserving perishable foodstuffs in transit – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1957 – Patent: 2780923
Ammonium polysiloxanolate hair treating composition and method for using same – Virgil Arnett Gant – 1957 – Patent: 2787274
Titanium base alloy – Frank Alphonso Crossley – 1957 – Patent: 2798807
Preparation of anhydrous alkaline earth halides – Moddie Daniel Taylor – 1957 – Patent: 2801899
Audible underwater signal – Francis Edward Butler – 1957 – Patent: 2803807
Combination toothbrush and dentifrice dispenser – Christopher L. Taylor – 1957 – Patent: 2807818
Venetian blind restringer – Clarence Nokes – 1958 – Patent: 3077066
Method of preserving fresh frozen pork trimmings – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1958 – Patent: 2845358
Control device for internal combustion engine – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1958 – Patent: 2850001
The separation of plutonium from uranium and fission products – Edwin R. Russell – 1958 – Patent: 2855269
Stabilized straight-chain hydrocarbons – Walter Lincoln Hawkins – 1959 – Patent: 2889306
Wire type precision resistor – Otis F. Boykin – 1959 – Patent: 2891227
Aromatic pressure cooker and smoker – Maurice William Lee – 1959 – Patent: 2906191
Fitted Bed Sheets – Bertha Berman – 1959 – Patent: 2907055
Drill mine – Francis Edward Butler – 1959 – Patent: 2912929

1960 – 1969

Signal generator – Robert F. Bundy – 1960 – Patent: 2922924
Thermostat and temperature control system – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1960 – Patent: 2926005
Mobile utility rack – David Harper – 1960 – Patent: D 187654
Flexible walled wind tunnel nozzle – Stephen S. Davis – 1960 – Patent: 2933922
Novel reductones and methods of making them – John E. Hodge – 1960 – Patent: 2936308
Quick disconnect valved coupling – Vincent A. Gill – 1960 – Patent: 2948553
Gasoline composition – Richard Flemon Neblett – 1960 – Patent: 2955928
Isolated soy protein used in the production of Aero-foam – Percy Lavon Julian – 1960 – (No patent number provided)
Electronic resistors for guided missiles – Otis F. Boykin – 1961 – Patent: 2972726
Transistorized gating circuit – Philip E. Emile – 1961 – Patent: 2982868
Bookcase – David Harper – 1961 – Patent: D 190500
Curing furfuryl-alcohol-modified urea formaldehyde condensates – Henry Aaron Hill – 1961 – Patent: 2988545
Ion exchange absorption process for plutonium separation – Edwin R. Russell – 1961 – Patent: 2992249
Ion exchange adsorption process for plutonium separation – Moddie Daniel Taylor – 1961 – Patent: 2992249
Watertight electrical connector – Francis Edward Butler – 1961 – Patent: 2991441
Glucose-amine sequestrants – John E. Hodge – 1961 – Patent: 2996449
Rocket engine pump feed system – Adolphus Samms – 1961 – Patent: 3000179
Flying Landing Platform – Peachy Booker – 1961 – Patent: 3003717
Combined isomerization & crack – Henry T. Brown – 1961 – Patent: 3000995
Transistorized multivibrator circuit adapted to oscillate for only a predetermined time – Philip E. Emile – 1961 – Patent: 3005963
Automatic safety brake system – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1962 – Patent: 3015522
Electrostatic paint system – Allen H. Turner – 1962 – Patent: 3017115
Antenna testing shield – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1962 – Patent: 3029430
Coating aids for gelatin compositions – William J. Knox, Jr. – 1962 – Patent: 3038804
Stainless Steel Scouring Pads – Alfred Benjamin – 1962 – Patent: 3039125
Waveguide components – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1962 – Patent: 3046507
Preparation of anhydrous lithium salts – Moddie Daniel Taylor – 1962 – Patent: 3049406
Motor fuel composition – William E. Lovett – 1962 – Patent: 3054666
Motor fuel composition – Richard Flemon Neblett – 1962 – Patent: 3054666
Electrostatic painting – Allen H. Turner – 1962 – Patent: 3054697
Linearly polarized monopulse lobing antenna having cancellation of cross-polarization components in the principal lobe – Kenneth C. Kelly – 1962 – Patent: 3063049
Helicopter design – Paul E. Williams – 1962 – Patent: 3065933
Vertical coin counting tube – Robert T. Allen – 1963 – Patent: 3071243
Gaseous discharge device – Louis W. Roberts – 1963 – Patent: 3072865
Lawn mower – Clarence Nokes – 1963 – Patent: 2836882
High-pressure optical cell – Charles E. Weir – 1963 – Patent: 3079505
Hydromechanical Rate Damped Servo System – John W. Blanton – 1963 – Patent: 3101650
Grain refinement of beryllium with tungsten carbide and titanium diboride – Frank Alphonso Crossley – 1964 – Patent: 3117001
Production of hydroxylamine hydrochloride – Herbert Leonard – 1964 – Patent: 3119657
Process for the manufacturing of nitroform and its salts – Joseph Carl Dacons – 1964 – Patent: 3125606
Novel phosphonyl polymers – Albert Y. Garner – 1964 – Patent: 3127357
High silicon cast iron – Earl Ryder – 1964 – Patent: 3129095
Binder system for propellants and explosives – Henry Thomas Sampson – 1964 – Patent: 3140210
Foamable composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and barium azocarbonate and method of foaming – Henry Aaron Hill – 1964 – Patent: 3141002
16-Aminomenthyl-17-alkyltestosterone derivatives – Percy Lavon Julian – 1964 – Patent: 3149132
Timing device – Clarence L. Elder – 1965 – Patent: 3165188
Electrical capacitor and method of making same – Otis F. Boykin – 1965 – Patent: 3191108
Multiple stage rocket – Adolphus Samms – 1965 – Patent: 3199455
Process of reacting isocyanate and hydroxy compound in presence of tertiary amine and hydrogen peroxide – John Richard Cooper – 1965 – Patent: 3206437
Refrigerating apparatus – Shannon L. Madison – 1965 – Patent: 3208232
Case bonding system for cast composite propellants – Henry Thomas Sampson – 1965 – Patent: 3212256
Method of preparation of carbon transfer inks – Hansel L. McGee – 1965 – Patent: 3214282
Sensitizing photographic media – James E. Lu Valle – 1965 – Patent: 3219451
Photographic processes – James E. Lu Valle – 1965 – Patent: 3219445
Photographic medium and methods of preparing same – James E. Lu Valle – 1965 – Patent: 3219448
Traffic data processing system – Victor Llewellyn Ransom – 1966 – Patent: 3231866
Two-stage phosgenation process for preparing aromatic isocyanates – John Richard Cooper – 1966 – Patent: 3234253
Redox couple radiation cell – Albert Clifton Stewart – 1966 – Patent: 3255044
Electric cell – Albert Clifton Stewart – 1966 – Patent: 3255045
Device for gas amplication by stimulated emission and radiation – GASAR – Louis W. Roberts – 1966 – Patent: 3257620
Emergency release for extraction chute – Adolphus Samms – 1966 – Patent: 3257089
Duplex capstan – Wilbert L. Jones – 1966 – Patent: 3258247
Reciprocal ferrite waveguide phase shifter having means to rotate the magnetic field about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ferrite rod – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1966 – Patent: 3268837
Electronically scanned microwave antennas – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1966 – Patent: 3268901
Electrical resistance element and method of making the same – Otis F. Boykin – 1966 – Patent: 3271193
Method for preparing 16(alpha)- hydroxypregnenes and intermediates obtained therein – Percy Lavon Julian – 1966 – Patent: 3274178
Biochemical fuel cell – John Perry, Jr. – 1966 – Patent: 3284239
Mass release mechanism for satellites – Wilson E. Hull – 1966 – Patent: 3286064
Cane planter – Leonard J. Julien – 1966 – Patent: 3286858
Triggered exploding wire device – Donald E. Jefferson – 1966 – Patent: 3288068
Power line sensing appliance theft alarm – John King – 1966 – Patent: 3289194
Removal of cesium from aqueous solution by ion exchange – Edwin R. Russell – 1967 – Patent: 3296123
Manufacture of azodicarbonamide – Henry Aaron Hill – 1967 – Patent: 3297611
Electrical resistance element – Otis F. Boykin – 1967 – Patent: 3304199
Stabilized alpha-mono-olefinic polymers (Weather-resistant cable coating) – Walter Lincoln Hawkins – 1967 – Patent: 3304283
Gelatin coating compositions – William J. Knox, Jr. – 1967 – Patent: 3306749
Thorium oxide or thorium-uranium oxide with magnesium oxide – Edwin R. Russell – 1967 – Patent: 3309323
Rocket motor fuel feed – Adolphus Samms – 1967 – Patent: 3310938
Thermostable dielectric material – James E. Millington – 1967 – Patent: 3316178
Electrical resistance element and method of making the same – Otis F. Boykin – 1967 – Patent: 3329526
Line blanking apparatus for color bar generating equipment – Robert Roosevelt Brooks – 1967 – Patent: 3334178
Presettable bistable circuits – Elbert L. Cox – 1967 – Patent: 3334245
Method of making a thin film capacitor – Otis F. Boykin – 1967 – Patent: 3348971
Hydraulic shock absorber – Ralph W. Sanderson – 1968 – Patent: 3362742
Non-capsizable container – Clarence L. Elder – 1968 – Patent: 3367525
Precision digital delay circuit – Andrew R. Johnson – 1968 – Patent: 3376436
Building blocks with sides converging upwardly – James R. Briscoe – 1968 – Patent: 3376682
Gallium-wetted movable electrode switch – Louis W. Roberts – 1968 – Patent: 3377576
Exhaust purifier – Rufus Stokes – 1968 – Patent: 3378241
Antenna feed for two coordinate tracking radars – James Earl Lewis – 1968 – Patent: 3388399
Printing fluid comprising an aqueous solution of a water-soluble dye and a thermosetting vinylsulfonium polymer – Morris L. Smith – 1968 – Patent: 3389108
Power generating apparatus – Charles A. Peterson – 1968 – Patent: 3391903
Thin film capacitor – Otis F. Boykin – 1968 – Patent: 3394290
Arithmetic unit for digital computers – Marvin Charles Stewart – 1968 – Patent: 3395271
Shadow box – J. C. Scott – 1968 – Patent: D 212334
Reactivating hydroforming catalysts – Henry T. Brown – 1968 – Patent: 3407135
Stairclimbing wheelchair – Rufus J. Weaver – 1968 – Patent: 3411598
Sublimination timing switch – Wilson E. Hull – 1969 – Patent: 3424403
Flexible and transparent lubricant housing for universal joint – Charles W. Tate – 1969 – Patent: 3423959
Transparent zirconia composition and process for making same – Jonathan S. Smith – 1969 – Patent: 3432314
Method and composition for autocatalytically depositing copper – Henry Jackson – 1969 – Patent: 3436233
Rocket catapult – Hugh D. MacDonald, Jr. – 1969 – Patent: 3447767
Electrogasdynamic coating system – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1969 – Patent: 3449667
Dodecanitroquaterphenyl – Joseph Carl Dacons – 1969 – Patent: 3450778
Method of making radome with an integral – Darnley M. Howard – 1969 – Patent: 3451127
Rotary machine – Thomas L. Cosby – 1969 – Patent: 3456594
35-Dihalo-4-cyanoalkoxy phenols – Linneaus Cuthbert Dorman – 1969 – Patent: 3468926
Adjustable shackle – Irvin S. Frye – 1969 – Patent: 3468123
Electromagnetic gyroscope float assembly – Lonnie G. Neal – 1969 – Patent: 3475975
Far-ultraviolet Camera and Spectrograph – George R. Carruthers – 1969 – Patent: 3478216
Laminar fluid NOR element – Lucius M. Walker, Jr. – 1969 – Patent: 3478764
Home security system utilizing televison surveillance – Marie Van Brittan Brown – 1969 – Patent: 3482037

1970 – 1979

Coin Changer Mechanism – James A. Bauer – 1970 – Patent: 3490571
Dental filling composition of a coefficient of thermal expansion approximating that of natural tooth enamel – Robert N. Boyd – 1970 – Patent: 3503128
Automatic telephone alarm apparatus – Clyde Edward Gurley – 1970 – Patent: 3505476
Programmable external dial operating device – Clyde Edward Gurley – 1970 – Patent: 3505483
Programmable external dial operating device – Lawrence Randolph Kelly Kelly – 1970 – Patent: 3505483
Oil-soluble ashless dispersant-detergent-inhibitors – Richard Flemon Neblett – 1970 – Patent: 3511780
Preset sensitivity and amplication control system – Robert Roosevelt Brooks – 1970 – Patent: 3518371
Lubricant for High Temperatures & High Speeds – John B. Christian – 1970 – Patent: 3518189
Dielectric-loaded antenna with matching window – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1970 – Patent: 3518683
Air pollution control device – Rufus Stokes – 1970 – Patent: 3520113
Urinalysis machine – Dewey S. C. Sanderson – 1970 – Patent: 3522011
Microwave phase shift device – Osbourne C. Stafford – 1970 – Patent: 3522558
Spinable stringless top – Paul L. Brown – 1970 – Patent: 3523386
Light Detection Instrument – Emmett W. Chappelle – 1970 – Patent: 3520660
Trolley guard – Robert C. Dickenson – 1970 – Patent: 1314130
Gas well sulfur removal by diffusion through polymeric membranes – James Hall Porter – 1970 – Patent: 3534528
Lubricants of Fluorocarbon Polyethers & Polyfluorophenylene Polymers – John B. Christian – 1970 – Patent: 3536624
Process for isolating a fluorine-containing polymer – John Richard Cooper – 1970 – Patent: 3536683
Coating aids for hydrophilic colloid layers of photographic elements – William J. Knox, Jr. – 1970 – Patent: 3539352
Injection pistol – Joseph S. Wiles – 1970 – Patent: 3538916
System for enhancing fine detail in thermal photographs – Winser Edward Alexander – 1970 – Patent: 3541333
Vertical and horizontal aperture equalization – Robert Roosevelt Brooks – 1970 – Patent: 3546372
Method of making a striated support for filaments – Harry James Green, Jr. – 1970 – Patent: 3548045
Sweepstake programmer – Clarence L. Elder – 1971 – Patent: 3556531
Dresser – John H. Jordan – 1971 – Patent: D 219927
Encapsulation process and its product – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1971 – Patent: 3565818
Treating human animal and synthetic hair with a waterproofing composition – Howard L. Scott – 1971 – Patent: 3568685
Improved acoustic image reproduction system using a piezoelectric printer and electrogasdynamics – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3573845
Preparation of water soluble acrylic copolymers for use in water treatment – Dudley G. Woodard – 1971 – Patent: 3574175
Pressure-Sensitive Record Sheet & Coating Composition – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1971 – Patent: 3576660
Sustained release pharmaceutical tablets – Ira C. Robinson – 1971 – Patent: 3577514
Cocktail Table – John H. Jordan – 1971 – Patent: D 220768
Turbulence inducing electrogasdynamic precipitator – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3582694
Electrogasdynamic systems and methods – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3581468
Substrate for mounting filaments in close- spaced parallel array – Harry James Green, Jr. – 1971 – Patent: 3584130
Alternating current systems employing multiple electrogasdynamic devices – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3585420
Combined clock and wall plaque – John H. Jordan – 1971 – Patent: D 220965
High impact polystyrene – Herbert Leonard – 1971 – Patent: 3586740
Gamma-Electrical Cell – Henry Thomas Sampson – 1971 – Patent: 3591860
Copying system using electrogasdynamics – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3592541
Door bar latch – Emanuel L. Logan Jr. – 1971 – Patent: 3592497
Programmed association game – Clarence L. Elder – 1971 – Patent: 3594003
Method for growing single oxide crystals “Duggerite” – Cortland Otis Dugger – 1971 – Patent: 3595803
System for interconnecting electrical components – Marvin Charles Stewart – 1971 – Patent: 3605063
Gas turbine air compressor and control therefor – Emmett Scott Harrison – 1971 – Patent: 3606971
Electrogasdynamic converter with resistive channel – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3612923
Electrostatic painting method and apparatus – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1971 – Patent: 3613993
Electronic counting apparatus – Charles M. Blackburn – 1971 – Patent: 3618819
Control apparatus – Raymond E. Rose – 1971 – Patent: 3618388
Solid-state laser produced by a chemical reaction between a germinate and an oxide dopant – Cortland Otis Dugger – 1971 – Patent: 3624547
Water Solubilization of Vanadyl-hardened Poly (vinyl alcohol) Films Useful as Capsule Wall Material – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1971 – Patent: 3629140
Production of 2-pyrrolidones – Frank Rodger Prince – 1972 – Patent: 3637743
Method for sealing microelectronic device packages – Harry James Green, Jr. – 1972 – Patent: 3648357
Electrogasdynamic precipitator utilizing retarding fields – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1972 – Patent: 3650092
Process for the synthesis of 2-flouro-2 2- dinitroethanol – George W. Nauflett – 1972 – Patent: 3652686
Use of faulty storage circuits by position coding – Frank S. Greene, Jr. – 1972 – Patent: 3654610
Treatment of diarrhea employing certain basic polyelectrolyte polymers – Ferdinand D. Wharton – 1972 – Patent: 3655869
Separating fluids with selective membranes – Arnold F. Stancell – 1972 – Patent: 3657113
Method and system for attaching a pocket to a portion of a garment – James W. Cobb – 1972 – Patent: 3670675
Method and apparatus for electrogasdynamic coating – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1972 – Patent: 3673463
Switching system charging arrangement – Joel Morton Morris – 1972 – Patent: 3688047
Variable Resistance Resistor Assembly – James Battle – 1972 – Patent: 3691503
Personnel restraint system for vehicular occupants – John Leslie Jones – 1972 – Patent: 3690695
Leadless microminiature inductance element with closed magnetic circuit – William L. Muckelroy – 1972 – Patent: 3691497
Separation of distillable isocyanates from their phosgenation masses – John Richard Cooper – 1972 – Patent: 3694323
Electrostatic precipitator system – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1972 – Patent: 3704572
Sonic transducer – John King – 1972 – (No patent number provided)
Gravity escape means – Alfred G. B. Prather – 1973 – Patent: 3715011
Reciprocating corner and baseboard cleaning auxiliary attachment for rotary floor treatment machines – William P. Desjardin & Gertrude E. Downing – 1973 – Patent: 3715772
Electrostatic mass per unit volume dust monitor – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1973 – Patent: 3718029
Teaching aid – Charles A. Dyer – 1973 – Patent: 3732632
Ram-valve level indicator – Esteban Silvera – 1973 – Patent: 3718157
Apparatus for suppressing airborne particles – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1973 – Patent: 3757491
Random unit generator amusement device – Clarence L. Elder – 1973 – Patent: 3770269
Shock falsing inhibitor circuit for a plural tone receiver – Robert L. Engram – 1974 – Patent: 3806938
Mortician-s table – Leander M. Coles – 1974 – Patent: 3799534
Disposable Syringe – Phil Brooks – 1974 – Patent: 3802434
Ceramic inductor – William L. Muckelroy – 1974 – Patent: 3812442
Universal on-delay timer – Isadore Small – 1974 – Patent: 3814948
Closed cycle energy conversion system – Thomas L. Cosby – 1974 – Patent: 3826092
Folding Chair – Charles Randolph Beckley – 1974 – Patent: 3856345
Method and apparatus for gathering peak load traffic data – Victor Llewellyn Ransom – 1975 – Patent: 3866185
Alumina coatings for an electric lamp – Kenneth Morgan Maloney – 1975 – Patent: 3868266
Emergency fire escape mechanism – James E Huntley – 1975 – Patent: 3880255
Asphalt paving vehicles – Nathaniel John Mullen – 1975 – Patent: 3880542
Golf tee – David M. Bondu – 1975 – Patent: 3907289
Cathode for a secondary electrochemical cell – Eddie Charles Gay – 1975 – Patent: 3907589
Fireplace Damper Actuating Tool – Virgie M. Ammons – 1975 – Patent: 3908633
Barber-s apron – Nathaniel Mathis – 1975 – Patent: D 237022
Low cost telemeter for monitoring a battery and DC voltage converter power supply – Floyd Allen – 1975 – Patent: 3919642
Solid Microglobules Containing Dispersed Materials – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1975 – Patent: 3922373
Aluminum nitride single crystal growth from a molten mixture with calcium nitride – Cortland Otis Dugger – 1976 – Patent: 3933573
Method of preparing electrodes with porous current collector structures and solid reactants for secondary electrochemical cells – Eddie Charles Gay – 1976 – Patent: 3933520
Direction coded digital stroke generator providing a plurality of symbols – Gerald Owens Burnham – 1976 – Patent: 3938130
Technique for fabrication of foil electret – James Edward West – 1976 – Patent: 3945112
Carrier attachment for invalid walkers – Mary Beatrice Kenner – 1976 – Patent: 3957071
Hardness tester – Samuel C. Smith – 1976 – Patent: 3956925
Ultraviolet and thermally stable polymer compositions – Ronald E. Goldsberry – 1976 – Patent: 3965096
Protective metal shield for plastic fuze radomes – Samuel A. Clark – 1976 – Patent: 3971024
Manual fluid sampler with overstroke – Michael Croslin – 1976 – Patent: 3975960
Method of Detecting & Counting Bacteria – Emmett W. Chappelle – 1976 – Patent: 3971703
Flame retardant – Albert Y. Garner – 1976 – Patent: 3989702
Preparation of tungsten hexafluoride from halogen and hydrogen fluoride – Joseph L. Russell – 1976 – Patent: 3995011
Procedure entry for a data processor employing a stack – Benjamin A. Dent – 1976 – Patent: 3548384
Bidirectional monitoring and control system – Clarence L. Elder – 1976 – Patent: 4000400
Carbon dioxide laser fuels – Lester A. Lee – 1977 – Patent: 4011116
Embroidered fruit bowl wall hanging and kit – Beatrice L. Cowans – 1977 – Patent: 4016314
Embroided fruit bowl wall hanging – Virginia E. Hall – 1977 – Patent: 4016314
Compartmented electrode structure – Eddie Charles Gay – 1977 – Patent: 4029860
Disposable syringe – Calvin R. Mapp – 1977 – Patent: 4033347
Airborne moving-target indicating radar system – William Childs Curtis – 1977 – Patent: 4034373
Vertical liquid electrode employed in electrolytic cells – Donald J. Cotton – 1977 – Patent: 4040932
Conformal edge-slot radiators – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1977 – Patent: 4051480
Process of Feeding Larval Marine Animals – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1978 – Patent: 4073946
Nuclear Reactor with Self-Orificing Radial Blanket – Alfred A. Bishop – 1978 – Patent: 4077835
Alumina coatings for mercury vapor lamps – Kenneth Morgan Maloney Maloney – 1978 – Patent: 4079288
Threshold self-powered gamma detector for use as a monitor of power in a nuclear reactor – Francis Edward LeVert – 1978 – Patent: 4091288
Suitcase with wheels and transporting hook – Debrilla M. Ratchford – 1978 – Patent: 4094391
Method of Producing Microcapsules & Resulting Product – Robert Gordon Bayless – 1978 – Patent: 4107071
Weight loss control system – Henry Fairfax Henderson, Jr – 1978 – Patent: 4111336
Smokeless slow burning cast propellant – John Leslie Jones – 1978 – Patent: 4112849
Moist/dry lavatory and toilet tissue – Joseph Ausbon Thompson – 1978 – Patent: 3921802
Digital distance measuring instrument – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1979 – Patent: 4143267
Substituted benzodioxan sweetening compound – John E. Hodge – 1979 – Patent: 4146650
Method for forming dense dry etched multi-level metallurgy with non-overlapped vias – George Edward Alcorn – 1979 – Patent: 4172004

1980 – 1989

Variable resistance type sensor controlled switch – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1980 – Patent: 4181843
Hardened photoresist master image mask process – George Edward Alcorn – 1980 – Patent: 4201800
Smoke detecting timer controlled thermostat – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1980 – Patent: 4211362
Illusion transmitter – Valerie L. Thomas – 1980 – Patent: 4229761
Family relationships card game – Mildred E. Smith – 1980 – Patent: 4230321
Turbojet afterburner engine with two-position exhaust nozzle – Emmett Scott Harrison – 1981 – Patent: 4242865
Technique for removing surface and volume charges from thin high polymer films – James Edward West – 1981 – Patent: 4248808
Automatic sprinkler control – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1981 – Patent: 4253606
Recrystallization of hexanitrostilbene from nitric acid and water – Joseph Carl Dacons – 1981 – Patent: 4260847
Self supporting electrical resistor composed of glass refractory materials and noble metal oxide – Otis F. Boykin – 1981 – Patent: 4267074
Fluorine-Containing Benzimidazoles – John B. Christian – 1981 – Patent: 4267348
Method and apparatus for performing non-invasive blood pressure and pulse rate measurements – Michael Croslin – 1981 – Patent: 4271844
Knee brace – Linzy Scott – 1981 – Patent: 4275716
Method of making expandable styrene-type beads – James E. Millington – 1981 – Patent: 4286069
Dense dry etched multi-level metallurgy with non-overlapped vias – George Edward Alcorn – 1981 – Patent: 4289834
Pattern generator for simulating image generation – John H. Allen – 1981 – Patent: 4303938
Multifrequency series-fed edge slot antenna – Howard St. Claire Jones, Jr. – 1981 – Patent: 4305078
Patio door and window guard system invention – Jerome L. Wicks – 1982 – Patent: 4325203
Capillary liquid fuel nuclear reactor – Donald J. Cotton – 1982 – Patent: 4327443
Method and apparatus for performing non-invasive blood pressure and pulse rate measurements – Michael Croslin – 1982 – Patent: 4326537
Remote AC power control with control pulses at the zero crossing of the AC wave – Paul Eugene Belcher & Daniel Hobel – 1982 – Patent: 4328482
Method for performing non-invasive blood pressure and pulse rate measurements – Michael Croslin – 1982 – Patent: 4338949
Rehydrated silica gel dentifrice abrasive – Anthony L. Dent – 1982 – Patent: 4346071
Toothpaste containing pH-adjusted zeolite – Anthony L. Dent – 1982 – Patent: 4349533
Bathroom tissue holder – Mary Beatrice Kenner – 1982 – Patent: 4354643
Rapid Quantitative Determination of Bacteria in Water – Emmett W. Chappelle – 1983 – Patent: 4385113
Pay telephone with sanitized tissue dispenser – Richard L. Saxton – 1983 – Patent: 4392028
Method and apparatus for performing non-invasive blood pressure and pulse rate measurements – Michael Croslin – 1983 – Patent: 4407297
Electrical resistor and method of making the same – Otis F. Boykin – 1983 – Patent: 4418009
Grain refinement of titanium alloys – Frank Alphonso Crossley – 1983 – Patent: 4420460
Electrogasdynamic coating system – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1984 – Patent: 4433003
Perfluoroalkylether Substituted Phenyl Phosphines – John B. Christian – 1984 – Patent: 4454349
Imaging X-ray spectrometer – George Edward Alcorn – 1984 – Patent: 4472728
Progressive throttle positioning system – Michael D. Griffin – 1984 – Patent: 4476068
Thermal energy accumulation – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1984 – Patent: 4476693
Internal combustion engine spark timing control including peak combustion sensor – John S. Brooks – 1984 – Patent: 4481925
Electrogasdynamic coating system – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1985 – Patent: 4498631
Emergency escape apparatus and method of using same – June B. Horne – 1985 – Patent: 4498557
Soil moisture potential determination by weight measurement – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1985 – Patent: 4509361
Method of making a porous carbon cathode a porous carborn cathode so made and electrochemical cell including the porous carbon cathode – William L. Wade – 1985 – Patent: 4514478
Absorbents for airborne formaldehyde – Linneaus Cuthbert Dorman – 1985 – Patent: 4517111
Free-electron amplifier device with electromagnetic radiation delay element – Earl D. Shaw – 1985 – Patent: 4529942
Method and apparatus for coating optical fibers – Thomas Mensah – 1985 – Patent: 4531959
Improvements in computer architecture – Color monitor, Gigahertz chip, IBM PC – Mark E. Dean – 1985 – Patent: 4528626
Burning efficiency enhancement method – Lincoln Isaiah Diuguid – 1985 – Patent: 4539015
GaAs Schottky barrier photo-responsive device and method of fabrication – George Edward Alcorn – 1985 – Patent: 4543442
Method or preparing nonlaminating anisotropic boron nitride – Bernard Smith – 1985 – Patent: 4544535
Photodetector having semi-insulating material and a contoured substantially periodic surface – Anthony M. Johnson – 1985 – Patent: 4555622
Method and apparatus for improved cooling of hot materials – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1985 – Patent: 4555909
Electrical resistor and method of making the same – Otis F. Boykin – 1985 – Patent: 4561996
Monolithic planar doped barrier subharmonic mixer – Samuel Dixon Jr. & Roger J. Malik – 1986 – Patent: 4563773
Battery performance control – James E. Young – 1986 – Patent: 4564798
Optical receiver circuit with active equalizer – Lanny S. Smoot – 1986 – Patent: 4565974
Electrogasdynamic method and apparatus for detecting the properties of particulate matter entrained in gases – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1986 – Patent: 4574092
Throttle return spring assembly – Michael D. Griffin – 1986 – Patent: 4576762
Medicine Tray – Joan Clark – 1986 – Patent: D 283249
Squirt gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1986 – Patent: 4591071
Participant-identification recording and playback system – John L. Mack – 1986 – Patent: 4596041
Knee alignment monitoring apparatus – Wilbert Murdock – 1986 – Patent: 4608998
Distributed pulse forming network for magnetic modulator – John. L. Carter – 1986 – Patent: 4612455
Method of fabricating an imaging X-ray spectrometer – George Edward Alcorn – 1986 – Patent: 4618380
Spot test for 135-triamino-246-trinitrobenzene TATB – Betty Wright Harris – 1986 – Patent: 4618452
Curing apparatus for coated fiber – Thomas Mensah – 1987 – Patent: 4636405
Apparatus and method of capturing an orbiting spacecraft – William D. Harwell – 1987 – Patent: 4664344
Multi-purpose uniaxial litter enginery or M.U.L.E. – Melvin McCoy – 1987 – Patent: 4664395
Method for airport fog precipitation – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1987 – Patent: 4671805
Apparatus and method for monitoring tension in a moving fiber by Fourier transform analysis – Thomas Mensah – 1987 – Patent: 4692615
Shower wall and bathtub mounted back washer – Mary Beatrice Kenner – 1987 – Patent: 4696068
Power controller – Harry C. Hopkins – 1987 – Patent: 4704570
Integrated optical device having integral photodetector – Anthony M. Johnson – 1987 – Patent: 4703996
Automatic dishwasher detergent composition – Dennis W. Weatherby – 1987 – Patent: 4714562
High speed circuit measurements using photoemission sampling – Anthony M. Johnson – 1988 – Patent: 4721910
Monitor for deposition on heat transfer surfaces – Francis Edward LeVert – 1988 – Patent: 4722610
Johnson tube a thermodynamic heat pump – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1988 – Patent: 4724683
Method of making styrene-type polymer comprising suspension polymerization conducted in aqueous medium containing combination of polyvinyl alcohol and sulfonated polystyrene or sulfonated styrene- maleic anhydride copolymer – James E. Millington – 1988 – Patent: 4730027
Apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses – Patricia Bath – 1988 – Patent: 4744360
Flow actuated pulsator – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1988 – Patent: 4757946
Bubble machine – Phillip A. Collins – 1988 – Patent: 4775348
Method for coating optical waveguide fiber – Thomas Mensah – 1988 – Patent: 4792347
Electrical wiring harness termination system – Shannon L. Madison – 1988 – Patent: 4793820
Noise reduction processing arrangement for microphone arrays – James Edward West – 1989 – Patent: 4802227
Sun protectant composition and method – Frances C. Gaskin – 1989 – Patent: 4806344
Continuous fluid level detector – Francis Edward LeVert – 1989 – Patent: 4805454
Composites of unsintered calcium phosphates and synthetic biodegradable polymers useful as hard tissue prosthetics – Linneaus Cuthbert Dorman – 1989 – Patent: 4842604
Method and apparatus for producing multivortex fluid flow – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1989 – Patent: 4850537
Spinal traction and support unit used while seated – Henry Scott – 1989 – Patent: 4881528
Chemically treated paper products – towel and tissue – Morris L. Smith – 1989 – Patent: 4882221
Chemically treated paper products – towel and tissue – Morris L. Smith – 1989 – Patent: 4883475
Teleconferencing facility with high resolution video display – Lanny S. Smoot – 1989 – Patent: 4890314

1990 – 1999

Novel organic fertilizer and production thereof – Dawn E. Francis – 1990 – Patent: 4957534
Kit for converting a bicycle to a dual wheel driven cycle – Billie J. Becoat – 1990 – Patent: 4895385
Method and apparatus for converting chemical and thermal energy into electricity – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1990 – Patent: 4916033
Teleconferencing terminal with camera behind display screen – Lanny S. Smoot – 1990 – Patent: 4928301
Optical fiber package and methods of making – Thomas Mensah – 1990 – Patent: 4955688
Refuse container – Sylvester J. Fletcher – 1990 – Patent: D 310744
Process and apparatus for contactless measurement of sample temperature – Sharon J. Barnes – 1991 – Patent: 4988211
Kit for converting a bicycle to a dual wheel driven cycle – Billie J. Becoat – 1991 – Patent: 5004258
Guided vehicle system – Thomas Mensah – 1991 – Patent: 5035169
Method and apparatus for high precision weighted random pattern generation – Clay S. Gloster – 1991 – Patent: 5043988
Methods of providing an optical fiber package – Thomas Mensah – 1991 – Patent: 5064490
Super Soaker® – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1991 – Patent: 5074437
Method of fabricating composite structures – Wanda A. Sigur – 1992 – Patent: 5084219
Dual wheel driven bicycle – Billie J. Becoat – 1992 – Patent: 5116070
Method and apparatus for visually comparing files in a data processing system – John W. Webster – 1992 – Patent: 5142619
Double tank pinch trigger pump water gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1992 – Patent: 5150819
Method and apparatus for disinfecting objects – Robert M. Williams – 1992 – Patent: 5171523
Dual wheel driven bicycle – Billie J. Becoat – 1993 – Patent: 5184838
Liquid jet propelled transporter and launcher toy – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1993 – Patent: 5197452
Pinch trigger hand pump water gun with multiple tanks – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1993 – Patent: 5238149
Wet diaper detector – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1993 – Patent: 5266928
Combined aerodynamic glider and launcher – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1993 – Patent: D 342551
African American Flag – Michael A. Holmes – 1994 – Patent: D 344251
Pinch trigger water gun with rearwardly mounted hand pump – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1994 – Patent: 5292032
Apparatus and method for cooling heat generating electronic components in a cabinet – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1994 – Patent: 5297005
Hair drying curler apparatus – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1994 – Patent: 5299367
Pinch trigger hand pump water gun with non-detachable tank – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1994 – Patent: 5305919
Water arrow projecting bow Low pressure high volume pressurized water gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1994 – Patent: 5322191
Undergarment with a pocket for releasably securing an absorbent pad – Tanya R. Allen – 1994 – Patent: 5325543
Engine protection system for recoverable rocket booster – Jerry Shelby – 1994 – Patent: 5328132
Water arrow projecting bow – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1994 – Patent: 5332120
Footwear additive made from recycled materials – Henry T. Chriss – 1994 – Patent: 5346934
Secure cryptographic logic arrangement – Phillip A. Carswell – 1994 – Patent: 5365591
Pressurized toy rocket with rapid action release mechanism – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5381778
Semiconductor devices based on optical transitions between quasibound energy levels – Moses T. Asom – 1995 – Patent: 5386126
Acoustic analysis of gas mixtures – Gardy Cadet – 1995 – Patent: 5392635
Toy airplane and launcher – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5395275
Fluid pulsator with accumulator for frequency control – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5398873
Toy rocket with velocity dependent chute release – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5407375
Pressurized air/water rocket and launcher – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5415153
Integrated utility/camper shell for a pick-up truck – Gilbert B. Chapman – 1995 – Patent: 5421633
Apparatus and method for cooling heat generating electronic components in a cabinet – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1995 – Patent: 5422787
Process for the manufacture of devices – Gardy Cadet – 1995 – Patent: 5427659
Method for growing continuous diamond films – James W. Mitchell – 1995 – Patent: 5441013
Method and apparatus for producing multivortex fluid flow – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1995 – Patent: 5456596
Wet diaper detector – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1995 – Patent: 5469145
Process and apparatus for generating precursor gases used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices – Gardy Cadet – 1995 – Patent: 5474659
Method and apparatus for converting chemical and thermal energy into electricity – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1996 – Patent: 5487957
Fluid powering and launching system for a toy vehicle – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5499940
Acoustic analysis of gas mixtures – Gardy Cadet – 1996 – Patent: 5501098
Electrochemical generation of silane – Gardy Cadet – 1996 – Patent: 5510007
Air pressure toy rocket launcher – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5538453
Thermionic generator – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5541464
Method and apparatus for transferring heat mass and momentum between a fluid and a surface – Meredith C. Gourdine – 1996 – Patent: 5548907
Toy rocket with velocity dependent chute release – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5549497
Pneumatic launcher for a toy projectile and the like – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5553598
Electric pump toy water gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1996 – Patent: 5586688
Compressed air gun with magazine indexer – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5592931
Rapid fire compressed air gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5596978
Acoustic analysis of gas mixtures – Gardy Cadet – 1997 – Patent: 5625140
Compressed air gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5626123
Method for performing amplification of nucleic acid with two primers bound to a single solid support – Christopher P. Adams – 1997 – Patent: 5641658
Squirrel cage having a cyclometer and method for monitoring the activity of an animal – Kevin Woolfolk – 1997 – Patent: 5649503
Toy rocket launcher – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5653216
Rapid fire compressed air gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5699781
Compressed air gun with single action pump – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1997 – Patent: 5701879
System for detonating a percussion cap in a toy projectile – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1998 – Patent: 5707270
Rapid fire compressed air gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1998 – Patent: 5709199
Hair drying curler apparatus – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1998 – Patent: 5711324
Voice activated compressed air toy gun – Lonnie G. Johnson – 1998 – Patent: 5724955
Portable highway warning device with frangible retainer ring – Brian G. Jackson – 1998 – Patent: 5775834
African American Headpiece – Diane Nixon Johnson – 1998 – Patent: D 395737
Shoe sole with an adjustable support pattern – Ronald S. Demon – 1998 – Patent: 5813142
Method and apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses – Patricia Bath – 1998 – Patent: 5843071
Plasma etch end point detection process – Gardy Cadet – 1999 – Patent: 5877407
African American Headpiece – Diane Nixon Johnson – 1999 – Patent: D 408118
Laser apparatus for surgery of cataractous lenses – Patricia Bath – 1999 – Patent: 5919186
Broadband data reception system for Worldnet access – Jesse Eugene Russell – 1999 – Patent: 5930247
Shoemaker-s jack – Albert R. Cooper – 1999 – Patent: 631519
Acoustic analysis of gas mixtures – Gardy Cadet – 1999 – Patent: 5948967
Severe weather detector and alarm – Anthony Brown – 1999 – Patent: 5978738

My 2 cents

By Ed Odom