US

On April 17, 1923, English inventor Gwendolen Beatrice Nora Egerton Hubbard, then residing in Hollywood, California, obtained a patent for an educational toy made from just three simple shapes that could be combined to form any letter or numeral.

On March 15, 1927, Hana F. Ayoub of El Paso, Texas, patented a novel steering-wheel lock for automobiles and other vehicles. Her design used a clamp and spring-biased bolt mechanism that securely immobilized the steering gear, preventing unauthorized operation while remaining simple, durable, and tamper-resistant.

On November 21, 1882, Hanneh Branch, a U.S. inventor based in North San Juan, California, was awarded a patent for creating a novel cough remedy. The compound was prepared by combining common tar, honey, egg yolks, licorice, and port wine.

On December 18, 1928, Haruko Saito of Tokyo patented a wire comb made by bending and twisting metal into evenly spaced teeth. Shaped like a folding fan, the tempered steel comb was strong, elastic, and held bobbed hair securely in place.

On August 10, 1901, Helen A. Blanchard of Portland, Maine, patented an improved machine specifically designed for sewing sweatbands to the reed holders of hats. Her invention operated without the use of a needle, which would have been detrimental to the sewing process.

On April 16, 1912, Helen F. Trowbridge of Port Washington, New York, was granted a patent for innovations in soft toy design. Her invention introduced a novel method of stuffing toys to help maintain their shape while also addressing sanitary concerns.

On November 23, 1926, India M. Lee of Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a patent for a novel vanity box. Her invention featured multiple compartments, a cushion, and an interior mirror, providing women with a convenient accessory for their daily beauty routine.

On January 29, 1935, Isabella B. Romans of Tuckahoe, New York, was granted a patent for a method to prevent and remove slime buildup on condenser surfaces in power plants. The process used chloramines instead of chlorine to disinfect circulating water, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

On May 14, 1946, Isabella B. Romans was granted a patent for a swimming pool purification system that also provided an improved antiseptic foot bath. Her design used disinfected pool water to maintain a constant antiseptic concentration in the foot bath, ensuring sanitation, convenience, and reduced maintenance.

On August 14, 1900, Isabella Miller of Union Ridge, West Virginia, was granted a patent for a novel awning designed to protect the roof and sides of a building from the sun.