Christopher Columbus Coin Image

National Gallery for America's Young Inventors 1998 Inductees

Adam E. Cohen, Age 17 - Electrochemical Paintbrush

The Electrochemical Paintbrush "paints" tiny lines of copper so small that it can print 50 words end-to-end in a space the width of a human hair. This is 16 times smaller than present devices used to fabricate microchips.

Jeremy J. Kiser, Age 17 - The Guardian Angel

The Guardian Angel is a train track warning device. It is comprised of two simple parts: an inexpensive radio transmitter installed in trains, and a receiver installed in buses and cars. When a vehicle approaches a train track, the transmitter signals the bus or car if a moving train is within a distance of one-fourth mile.

Ariel Krasik-Geiger, Age 12 - Calibrated Angle and Depth Scissors

While doing a geometry assignment that required cutting specific angles from a sheet of paper, Ariel got the idea for the Calibrated Angle and Depth Scissors. These scissors are equipped with a protractor that allows the user to easily cut precise angles and depths without having to use a pencil.

Karen Mendelson, Age 16 - Inexpensive Fast Optical Method for Measuring Carbon Monoxide in Whole Blood

Karen read about victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. This poisoning occurs when fuels are burned in enclosed spaces and can cause flu-like symptoms, often resulting in death. Karen's battery-powered invention can quickly diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning by measuring light transmission through blood that is drawn from a pinprick.

Brian Schreyer, Age 17 - Emergency Traffic Signal (E.T.S.)

Brian was a part-time emergency medical worker who has used CPR to save lives. Once, while assisting a victim of an auto accident, Brian noticed that the policeman on the scene had to spend his time directing traffic rather than assisting with more urgent matters. This gave Brian the idea for a portable traffic signal that law officers could use during emergency situations.

Brandon A. Whale, Age 8 - PaceMate

When Brandon was five, his mother received a pacemaker implant. Afterwards, she frequently had to provide an EKG to the hospital via a telephone modem. This was done by means of electronic sensors attached to her wrists through the telephone lines. These sessions were very time consuming as the sensors were too loose and they did not provide a solid electrical connection. Brandon furnished the sensors with elastic, which improved the fit. He also prepared sealed packages containing small electrolyte-soaked sponges to improve electrical conductivity.