Breaking Barriers: The Untold Stories of Women Inventors With Rebekah Oakes

Women's History Month celebrates the vital contributions of women throughout history and into the present day, marking a period where we honor their achievements and resilience across a multitude of fields, notably in areas like technology transfer and innovation.

Women have always been at the heart of driving change, with their innovative inventions, pioneering research, and entrepreneurial zeal. Despite the hurdles of systemic barriers and gender biases, their perseverance has significantly impacted the landscape of tech transfer, leaving a lasting legacy.

In today's discussion, we talk about the stories of women inventors and their significant roles in fostering innovation. Our guest, Rebekah Oakes, a historian at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for preserving the narratives of these trailblazers. 

Rebekah's insights promise to illuminate the contributions of women inventors and celebrate their enduring influence on the world of innovation.

 

In This Episode:

[02:00] Women inventors were applying their unique perspectives to solving real world problems. When we hear their stories it allows us to connect with these inventors in a special way.

[03:52] Rebekah was surprised to find out that a lot of our modern conveniences and technologies trace back to women inventors and patent holders.

[04:47] Women inventors have been responsible for the technology we're using for this podcast, including bluetooth, the dishwasher, windshield wipers, and things we use on a daily basis.

[05:07] The phenomenon of women inventing for other women. Women throughout history have noticed gaps in technology and the market.

[06:13] Challenges encountered include societal barriers. Many women were just trying to solve a problem. Those who wanted to get a patent did face an uphill battle. 

[07:30] Manufacturing was male dominated and these inventors were frequently the only woman in the room. Their brave and daring paved the way for the rest of us.

[08:55] Rebekah shares how Margaret Knight invented a machine that manufactured flat bottom paper bags. Margaret began working in textile mills in England when she was 13 years old. At this age, her first invention was created to increase safety in the mills.

[10:51] She also had to defend her intellectual property against a man who was trying to steal her patent.

[11:06] Valerie Thomas was a NASA engineer who remembers checking out her first engineering book from the library called, A Boy's Book Of Electronics.

[12:34] Women have always been inventors. The US Patent system was created in 1790. Over time, women advocated for rights that would help them enter the patent ecosystem, educational systems, and pursuit of the degrees that they wanted.

[13:37] Funding was also an issue in the early stages. Successful women challenged society's expectations of what was possible.

[14:14] The intersectionality of gender and race with women inventors. 

[14:56] We learn about the inventions of Mary Beatrice Kenner. She invented the precursor to the maxi pad and had positive interest from manufacturers until she met them in person. Mary was black.

[16:21] She was able to get a patent but wasn't able to financially benefit from it.

[16:39] Dr Patricia Bath invented the laserphaco tool that revolutionized cataract surgery. She also invented Community Ophthalmology which looks at societal factors to encourage the prevention of disease.

[18:44] Having a dedicated month to focus on women's contributions in history is a step towards getting us where we need to be. The narrative is also being integrated more fully in the main narrative such as in textbooks.

[19:52] The National Inventors Hall of Fame has gone through a major initiative to diversify their class of inventors being inducted.

[21:25] Many women inventors were involved in the suffrage movement.

[22:21] Anna Keichline invented the K Brick and was involved in the local suffrage movement. As an architect, she thought women were better at building homes because they understood how home should be.

[23:14] Lyda Newman invented a hair brush with synthetic bristles.

[26:05] Women inventors during periods of conflict. Hedy Lamarr invented the technology that modern Bluetooth relies on.

[27:40] Martha Costen invented a signal flare. 

[29:27] Madam Walker created her own products and built an empire. Marjorie Stewart Joyner has a patent for a method of hair curling.

[32:07] Harriet Strong invented an irrigation system.

[33:39] Beulah Louise Henry was an inventor by trade. She had to create her own prototype. 

[36:15] Clara Barton worked at the patent office. She insisted on equal pay. 

[38:12] Shifts in inventions patented by women now. They are patenting more and more in the sciences. They are also choosing inventing as a career. 

[40:07] There are always more opportunities in larger cities and more industrialized areas. Class also plays a role. 

[42:07] The digital revolution was a game changer for historians.

[46:09] Women are still inventing for women and identifying needs for products that relate to women.

[46:49] The role of IP and how tech transfer can help. Intellectual property protection is a vital tool in an inventor's toolbox.

[47:47] Encourage inventors to apply for patent protection as early as possible. Provide mentorship and help with networking.

[49:09] Rebekah talks about the importance of representation.

 

Resources: 

Rebekah Oakes Historian USPTO LinkedIn

Margaret Knight Invented a Machine that Shapes the Way We Shop

Meet Dr. Valerie L. Thomas, Landsat Image Processing Specialist

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Dr. Patricia E. Bath

National Inventors Hall of Fame

Lyda Newman

Hedy Lamarr

Martha Coston

Marjorie Stewart Joyner

Madam C.J. Walker

Harriet Strong

Beulah Louise Henry

Clara Barton

USPTO Mentoring Programs