Famous Inventions

In times of war, Americans remember their troops. But can they name some famous inventions for which they are thankful? If it weren’t for Dr. John Pembert, Coca-cola may not have ever been enjoyed by masses of people. Ivan Jepson invented the Sunbeam Mixmaster. If it weren’t for these famous inventions, Americans’ way of life as we know it – may not exist.

Inventor Tip:

Registering your idea early could be vital to keeping your rights. Sometimes it's a race to the patent office, as was the case with the telephone with two patents being filed the very same day. Do you even know the name of the OTHER guy?

How have famous inventions helped shape Americans’ lives?

Several famous inventions have helped Americans not only in their everyday tasks, but also helped them succeed and get to where they are in life today. For instance, did you know glue is one of the famous inventions which Americans take for granted? In 1750, the first glue patent was issued in Britain. In 1850, Joel Houghton invented a wooden machine, whose hand-turned wheel splashed water on dishes. It became known as a dishwasher.

Famous inventions may not only be everyday words, but everyday tools

It may not be one of the famous inventions automatically recalled, but someone is famous for coming up with the term “cheeseburger.” Louis Ballast trademarked the term in 1935 in Denver, Colo. There have also been a whooping 185 patents issued for coffee grinders and 500 patents issued for apple peelers in 1800s.

Several famous inventions can be attributed to women’s intuition

Austrian actress Hedy Lemarr foiled the German Nazi attempts to intercept American plans during World War II with one of the famous inventions that easily could have saved Americans. By manipulating radio frequencies at irregular intervals, Lemarr invented an unbreakable code to prevent the enemy from intercepting classified messages. Another one of the famous inventions came from Nesmith Graham. She invented the white tempera paint that we, today, know as white corrective fluid.

Some famous inventions didn’t make money for their famous inventors.

Some of Thomas Edison’s famous inventions were considered failures. In 1899, Edison took an interest in using cement to help build cabinets for everything from phonographs, to pianos and houses. His idea wasn’t well received as people considered it too expensive. Instead one of his famous inventions was later building Yankee Stadium.

Creative ideas from men helped sell famous inventions

Several male inventors’ names aren’t remembered. But their famous inventions still live on. For instance, Robert Heinlein invented the waterbed. Sir Henry Cole helped us remember the holidays by inventing the Christmas card. Sam Born invented a lollipop-making machine and Nils Bohlin invented the three-point seat belt.