1999
Pak Rax Millennium Middle School Sanford, FL Problem: Safety hazard of backpacks, instrument cases and other items in the event of a bus accident. Solution: The Pak Rax is an effective under-seat storage system designed to hold loose items. At an awards ceremony held at Epcot at Walt Disney World, finalist teams receive $36,000 in […]
Eazy Zap Cap Cold Spring Harbor Middle School Cold Spring Harbor, NY Problem: Arthritis suffers and others have difficulty opening childproof containers. Solution: Eazy Zap Cap is a device that allows containers to be opened without bending afflicted joints. At an awards ceremony held at Epcot at Walt Disney World, finalist teams receive $36,000 in […]
Bus Door Bust Hadley E. Watts Middle School Centerville, OH Problem: Items getting caught in a school bus door. Solution: Replacing the rubber door linings with bristles, which allow items to pass through easily. Teams were judged for the practicality of implementing their ideas. The winning team received the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to […]

Charles H. Townes, Ph.D. Professor in the Graduate School University of California at Berkeley Berkeley, CA Dr. Townes was the second recipient of the $100,000 Frank Annunzio Award in October 1999 for his research on the microwave spectra of molecules and the ultimate invention of the laser. In the 1940s, microwave oscillators involved klystrons and […]

James D. Otvos, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer and Founder LipoMed, Inc. Raleigh, NC NMR LipoProfile Dr. James D. Otvos was the recipient of the 1999 $100,000 Christopher Columbus Foundation Award for the development of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) LipoProfile. This innovation in blood cholesterol tests distinguishes between high-risk and low-risk forms of cholesterol. Almost […]
National Gallery for America’s Young Inventors 1999 Inductees Richard J. Barton, Age 19 – Lapotron, Submersible Digital Lap Counter/Timer for Swimmers This device was designed for use by people who swim laps in a pool. The Lapotron automatically counts laps and times and displays this data for underwater swimmers. This device is especially useful for […]