Mechanical Engineering

On September 22, 1897, Mary Rebecca Shingler, a farmer of Leongatha, Australia, obtained a patent for a novel fastening system for upholstered furniture springs. The invention replaced traditional tying or sewing with an integrated metal loop, shank, and head arrangement that securely attached springs to webbing and optionally to buttons.

On March 16, 1909, Matilde Pionzio-Cavagnino of Turin, Italy, was granted a patent for a novel machine designed to register commercial transactions and facilitate bookkeeping. The device aimed to assist both experienced accountants and beginners.

On June 17, 1930, Maude Mayo Bentz of Montclair, New Jersey, obtained a patent for a combined humidifier and air-deflector designed for use on steam or hot-water radiators. Her device used a water trough, hinged cover, and vertically arranged wick elements to moisten and redirect rising warm air, improving indoor comfort while reducing wall and woodwork soiling.

On October 22, 1935, Nadia A. Ovsey of Los Angeles, California, patented a dual-compartment washing machine. Her invention allowed two separate types of garments or fabrics to be washed simultaneously in separate bodies of washing fluid using a single agitator-driven shaft, increasing washing capacity while preventing cross-contamination.

On April 19, 1932, Nora F. Hays of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, received a patent for an improved dirt collector designed to remove moisture and debris from pressurized air systems. Her design featured a collecting chamber with a conical valve that allowed accumulated water to be discharged quickly and safely.

On April 7, 1949, Odette Portier of Paris patented an improved support for lighting fixtures, especially for public lighting. Her design replaced the traditional threaded tube with a smooth tube secured in a matching smooth sleeve, preventing the frequent breakage that occurred at the joint.

On May 30, 1950, Opal A. Barber of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, obtained a patent an improved rooftop ventilator that used wind to help pull stale air out of buildings. Her design featured a rotating hood and a “bullet nose” that boosted suction for better airflow.

On May 25, 1926, Opal E. Kline of Glidden, Iowa, was granted a patent for a novel light reflector. The device was designed to provide high-quality illumination, feature a cost-effective construction, and have a uniquely shaped reflector capable of evenly lighting any circular area.

On June 24, 1941, Opal W. Chase of Little Rock, Arkansas, was granted a patent for a novel awning fan. The design aimed to create a device that was easy to attach and store while maintaining a simple yet effective construction.

On April 18, 1912, Rosa Chamberlin of London, UK, was granted a patent for inventing a novel air-cooling machine. Intended for use in industrial settings, the invention featured multiple pistons and cylinders to compress air and lower the external temperature.