ResQgeek

US Patent 322,177 (issued July 14, 1885) is believed to be the first US Patent issued to an African-American woman. Sarah E. Goode was born into slavery in 1850, but moved to Chicago after being freed at the end of the Civil War. She invented a hide-away bed to accommodate the small apartments that were common in that city at the time. During the day, the bed folds up into a desk, but can be unfolded into a bed at night. ( Drawings from the patent )

No, I'm not talking about Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, or any of the others who are famous because of their inventions. There are some people who are famous for other reasons who also happen to have been bitten by the invention bug. Their inventions are frequently not well known, but they provide an interesting glimpse into their personality and lives. I've found four, but I'm sure there are lots more. If I come across any more, I'll share them.

• Abraham Lincoln: That's right, the President. Long before his career in politics, he received U.S. Patent No. 6,469 for a device for lifting boats over shoals.


• Harry Houdini: U.S. Patent No. 1,370,316 for a Diver's Suit


• Hedy Lamarr: This famous actress also received U.S. Patent No. 2,292,387 for her invention of a system to remotely control torpedoes from high altitude aircraft.


• Theodor S. Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss): Received U.S. Patent No. 2,150,853 for a camera with two optical objectives adapted to photographically record a composite image of two objects.

Now this is what I call a better mousetrap! Guaranteed to be noisy and messy, but you won't have to worry about that critter again! :o)

US Patent No. 269,766