National Gallery for America’s Young Inventors 2001 Inductees
Christina Adams, Age 16 – Vapor Exchange/Pressure Control Wheelchair Seat
Christina’s invention is designed to simultaneously control pressure and moisture, the two biggest factors leading to pressure sores in wheelchair users. It incorporates adjustable interlacing straps of material that allows free flow of air for cooler, dryer and more comfortable experience for the user. The invention has earned two U.S. patents.
Lindsey Clement, Age 12 – The Gumball Machine
A real problem for residents of the southern United States is cleaning up the gumballs dropped by the myriad sweet gum trees that grow in the region. A sweet gumball is a walnut-sized seed pod covered with spiny thorns. These gumballs fall throughout the autumn and winter months and are a nuisance to anyone who has a sweet gum tree. Lindsey’s invention is constructed of PVC pipe and resembles a small lawnmower. The user simply pushes it along, and any gumballs in its path are automatically picked up and dropped into the attached gumball catcher.
Hans Christiansen Lee, Age 18 – Active Spin Control: The Next Step After Anti-Lock Brakes
Hans’ invention consists of a Differential Torque Control System to improve a car’s controllability when a driver is faced with radical steering maneuvers or begins to skid or spin out of control. The Active Spin Control uses electronic sensors at the rear wheels, which feed data to an onboard computer. This computer controls corrective torque applied to these wheels to control spinout and skid.
Elina Onitskansky – Microelectrochemical Sensor and Plating System to Detect and Remove Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc Ions from Polluted Water
Elina has a patent pending on her revolutionary micro-sensor. Whereas conventional sensors can detect only one element, this invention can detect six metallic ion pollutants collectively and independently. The invention consists of two basic parts: the microelectrochemical sensor, which detects the metals, and the plating system that removes them, consequently cleaning the water.
Kavita M. Shukla, Age 16 – Botanical Extract-Coated Material for the Preservation of Perishable Substances
Kavita has already been awarded a patent for her invention, and has another patent pending. This invention is a process wherein food packaging materials like paper are coated with, or soaked in, a suspension of a botanical extract such as the extract of fenugreek–an ancient herb used in Middle-Eastern and Asian countries. These natural herbs help preserve and extend the shelf life of perishable foods like fruits and vegetables.
Rishi S. Vasudeva, Age 17 – Biodegradable Disposable Diaper
Rishi’s invention is an eco-friendly, biodegradable diaper made of a corn-based polymer lining and an absorbent cellulosic inner padding. It is capable of biodegradation within days after use. It is thus healthier for the environment than the polyethylene-lined diapers currently made by the manufacturers of disposable diapers.
