United States

On August 11, 1942, Epifania Layana of Los Angeles, California, patented an orthopedic arch brace designed to correct and support weakened foot muscles. Her non-stretch fabric brace fitted the foot like a glove and provided comfortable support to maintain proper bone alignment.

On November 28, 1922, Eudora M. Campbell of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, patented an innovative thread-holding and cutting device for sewing machines. Her design featured a presser bar, a supporting clip, a pair of clamping arms, and a cutting blade, all arranged to make thread cutting and severing more efficient.

On August 12, 1924, Gette Wright Holmes of Hosston, Louisiana, patented an innovative device designed to collect and destroy boll weevils from cotton fields. Her machine featured a pan containing a mixture of oil and water that instantly killed the pests as it removed them from the tops of the cotton plants.

On October 27, 1908, Gina C. Crompton of Park City, Utah, patented a novel presser foot for sewing machines. Her invention featured a simple, low-cost design that made it easier to sew lace, piping, and braid without taking the machine apart, and let users work on the table instead of under the machine arm.

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 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.