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.
"Remember the Titans"
The 2001 National Gallery keynote speaker was Bill Yoast. In 1971, racial
tensions ran high in Alexandria, Virginia, as three schools, two black
and the third white, were newly integrated. The former rivalries between
the schools, coupled with the strain between the black and white players,
resulted in a team that was far from united.
Tensions only escalated when Herman Boone, assistant coach of the former
black T.C. Williams High School, was named head coach of the Titans,
passing over Bill Yoast, the local favorite and successful head coach
of the former white Hammond High. Yoast's supporters were angered by
Boone's appointment, which was seen as a gesture of goodwill to the black
community.
Herman Boone and Bill Yoast were able to respect each other's differences,
and in doing so, unified their players to do the same. During their 1971
season, the team ranked second in national polls and went on to win their
State finals. Their inspirational story was captured in the Disney Film "Remember
the Titans," starring Denzel Washington.
Boone and Yoast, now both retired, remain good friends and continue
to motivate and inspire. Mr. Boone lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and
Mr. Yoast resides in Bethany Beach, Delaware.