Dr. Grace Murray Hopper invention of the Mark I computer

Image by Wikipedia via Website

Computer Software by Grace Murray Hopper

It is quite hard to imagine today’s world without computer technology. It paved way for many other forms of inventions and improved the quality of life to a considerable extent. Of the many inventions that we get to hear about today, Dr. Grace Murray Hopper’s computer software system comes across as the best one that paved way for drastic development of the technological world. She was a highly revered woman with strong capabilities.

Grace Murray Hopper

Dr. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was born on December 9, 1906 in the New York city to Walter Murray and Mary Horne. Grace was a curious right from her childhood. She received bachelor’s degree in Physics and mathematics from Vassar College and her master’s degree from Yale University in the year 1930. She also completed her PH.D. in mathematics from Yale. Her husband Vincent Foster Hopper was a New York University professor.

She joined the U.S. Navy and was sworn into the US Naval reserve in 1943 during World War II. She then went onto serve in the Bureau of Ordinance Computation Project at Harvard University. After the period of war was over, her duties with the navy ended and she joined Remington Rand as a senior programmer. In the year 1952, she became Director of Automatic programming and oversaw the work on common business language. She served the navy in various capacities and was contributed to the country immensely. She received the National Medal of Technology woman inventor award in the year 1991 which was presented by President George Bush.

COBOL

Hopper lead a team that was invented the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), the first computer software program for businesses. Till date, COBOL is considered to be an exceptional software program that is most widely used business language. She also worked towards standardizing of computer language internationally. The language was a result of Conference on Data Systems Languages which brought together several experts in the technology space. Hopper was a technical consultant to the committee and it was then the COBOL was invented. Hopper also created validation software for COBOL as a part of standardization program. COBOL is definitely one of the greatest inventions that are considered valid even today.

Grace Hopper comes across as an immense personality with strong capabilities. She passed away on January 1, 1992 at the age of 85. She held multiple honorary degrees from about thirty universities.

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Marie Van Brittan Brown invention of the Closed-circuit television

Image by Black America Web via Website

Closed­ Circuit Television Security (CCTV) by Marie Van Brittan Brown 

Closed Circuit Television Security (CCTV) happens to be one of the most important inventions that provides for a perfectly reliable safety, security and monitoring system. Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the home security system in 1966 and got it patented in the year 1969. Back then, this technology seemed impossible to create but Marie achieved a great feat by inventing it. This technology is now being extensively used in shops, home security surveillance and also for police work.

Marie Van Brittan Brown 

Marie Van Brittan Brown was born on October 30, 1922 in Queens, New York. She was a nurse by profession but she was also interested in the tech world. Her husband Albert Brown was an electronics technician involved in tech activities. Marie along with her husband Albert Brown designed the CCTV as she was quite concerned over the safety issues. She was alone at home most of the times and wanted to find out a system that has that would help in case of crime occurrence. The crime rate at her locality was quite high and police response was slow.

Home security system

She began working on the home security system along with her husband. Marie wanted to know the identity of the visitors behind the door and hence this was created. They both designed a motorized camera attached to the door. The system had 4 peep holes in it and a camera that can go up and down to take a look at each of them. Whatever the camera was able to identify would be reflected on the monitor. The best part is that the person could also open the doors with the help of a remote control.

Modern surveillance system

Marie Van Brittan Brown received an award from the National Science Committee for her revolutionary invention. Though, it was invented for residential usage, the system was soon adopted by shops and businesses because of its effectiveness. The resident can get to know who is on the door through television and also can hear the voice of the visitor.

It needs to be understood that this technology what led to current day modern CCTV facilities that are capable of catching all events that happens in the concerned area. There is no denial over the fact that this technology has contributed considerably to curtailing and bringing down the crime rate across the world. The technology has been simplified much over the years but the invention remains the same. 

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Hedy Lamarr invention of Transmission Technology

Image by Wikipedia via Website

Wireless Transmission Technology by Hedy Lamarr

Women have contributed vastly to the growth and development of the technological arena. It needs to be understood that many of the tech inventions were made by women. One of the best and most useful inventions of all time is that of Wireless transmission technology by Hedy Lamarr. This particular technology is now being extensively used in many spheres of communications, connections and other major areas.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was a popular American and Austrian film actress who was also a great inventor. She was born on November 9, 1914. Her real name is Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler and she changed her name to Hedy Lamrr for film career. She had a short stint with acting career in Germany where her movie Ecstasy created some controversies. She later moved to Hollywood and was offered a movie contract by Louis B. Mayor, the head of MGM. She was one of the leading film stars who acted in several movies from 1930s to 1950s.

World War II

Following her immigration to the United States, Hedy came up with a secret communication system along with George Anthiel. She and her co-inventor came out with this invention as a means to help the nation combat against the Nazis. This invention was possible by way of manipulating that of the radio frequency waves at irregular intervals along the transmission and reception of the waves. This invention was used to prevent the enemy personnel from breaking the code during the World War II.

 The radio guidance facility was created for Allied torpedoes that made use of the spectrum and frequency hopping system in order to defeat jamming by the opposite powers. It was only decades later, the power and influence of this particular technology was well understood and it was used by Navy after 1960s.

Incorporated into modern tech systems

This particular invention by Hedy is now extensively used in modern telecommunication systems. It is the technology that is found behind Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and CDMA. It is quite hard to imagine the reach of today’s tech world without this invention which impacts various fields of operation. In the year 2014, the work was included into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

It can be understood that Hedy is not only a beautiful lady with strong skills and capabilities for acting but she also shined as great inventor contributing significantly to the world of technology developments that the world has seen today. 

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Dr. Shirley Jackson invention of Telecommunications Technology

Image by PopTech via flickr

Telecommunications Technology by Shirley Jackson

The telecommunications field has seen huge development in the past few decades. It is quite hard to imagine life without the technological inventions and developments. The contributions and inventions made by Shirley Ann Jackson to the telecommunication space have been phenomenal. Shirley made some of the best and game-changing inventions in the world of technology. She came out with some of the best inventions which include portable fax, solar cells, caller waiting and caller ID technology, touch tone telephone and also fiber optic cables that has enabled overseas phone calls to become clear and perfect. She is one of the well-known scientists and physicists who contributed vastly to technological growth. 

Shirley Ann Jackson

Shirley Jackson was born in August 5, 1946 to Beatrice Jackson and George Jackson in Washington D.C. She showed keen interest in the field of science and mathematics at a much early age and her parents encouraged her skills and talents. She received a bachelor degree in theoretical Physics in the year 1968 in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In the year 1973, she completed her Ph.D., in elementary particle theory. It can be said that she was the second African American woman to receive a doctorate in Physics in United States which is quite a great achievement. Jackson conducted several researches at many of the prestigious institutions across the Europe and the United States in the 1970s.

Jackson also explored the interacting elementary particles theory while she was a visiting scientist at the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Technology revolution

All of Shirley’s inventions were highly useful and paved way for further growth and development of the technological space. Her caller ID and Call Waiting technology inventions were regarded to change the telecommunication space for the better. She carried out several researches and experiments in theoretical physics while she worked at Bell Laboratories. She examined the fundamental properties of different materials and got to know its nature. Jackson is now the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute which is considered as the age old technology research and development university in the United States. It also recently received the recognition as one among the top 50 universities in the United States.

Her technological inventions have helped better life to a great extent. She has won several honors, credits and recognition as a scientist and she continues to contribute to the technological world by being the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Ada Lovelace invention of the Computer Algorithm

Image by Wikipedia via Website

Amongst the many technological growth and inventions that we get to see today, the computer technology stands out as the best of all. It paved way for the growth and development of other fields and areas. The invention of the computer algorithm changed and revolutionized the tech world to a considerable extent. Ada Lovelace came out with the first ever computer algorithm and was regarded as first computer programmer. She was a prominent mathematician and write and was known for her interest in developing the tech arena.

Ada, Countess of Lovelace

Born in the year 1815, Ada Lovelace was the only child of Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Milbanke, who happened to be the Baroness of Wentworth. Byron got separated from his wife soon after Ada was born and he died when she was eight years old. Her mother was the only parental figure in Ada’s life that made sure to develop her interest in logic and mathematics. She believed that by doing so, her daughter would be safeguarded from the influence of her father. Ada Lovelace married Lord William in the year 1835, who was made the Earl of Lovelace in the year 1838. It was then she became the Lady of Lovelace. She died on November 27, 1852 at the age of 37 owing to uterine cancer.

Ada was thought mathematics at a much earlier age as her mother wants her to keep away from the insanity of her father. She was privately tutored by science and mathematics by William Frend.

Computer knowledge and interest

Ada Lovelace showed keen interest computer technology and she was well known for her research and work on Charles Babbage mechanical computer called the Analytical Engine. She was interested in wide range of fields and was an Analyst, Founder of Scientific Computing and Metaphysician. In 1842, she worked along with Charles Babbage at the University of London. She left some notes which were discovered and republished in the year 1953, more than century after Ada’s death. In one of the notes, she was known to have described algorithm to compute the Bernoulli numbers in Analytical Engine. It was definitely considered as the first computer program.

It is a well known fact that this particular algorithm was an essential part in helping Alan Turing’s construction of the first modern computer 1940 to 1950. It can very well be concluded that though Ada lived for a short period of time her contribution to the computer field is magnanimous. 

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

The Car Heater by Margaret A. Wilcox

Image by Amazing Facts Undefined via Website

The Car Heater by Margaret A. Wilcox

The world has seen a huge sort of development in the technological space and many people have contributed to the growth and development of this particular field. Women have come out with several useful and powerful technological inventions that have bettered the life of people to a great extent. One such best and revolutionary kind of invention happens to be car heaters. The car heater was invented by Margaret A. Wilcox in the year 1893. The invention is considered as the first step towards a more advanced car heating technologies that we get to see today.

Margaret A. Wilcox

Margaret A. Wilcox was a well-known mechanical engineer who was born in Chicago, the United States of America in the year 1838. She invented the car heater in the year 1893 and in November 28, 1893, she patented the car heater. By inventing the ingenious car heater system, Margaret was able to pave path for more sophisticated car heater developments. It is still considered as one of the most valuable kind of inventions that acts as the base. Margaret was very enthusiastic about various concepts and she used to experiment various ideas and creations in her lab. She is also known to come out with yet another excellent invention which is the combined dishwasher and clothes system. This particular concept was highly popular and it is most commonly used system now.

Car heater

Car heaters are now part of all sorts of car models that are available. It turns out to be convenient, useful and most importantly adds value. A car heater is nothing but a radiator like device that would heat the cabin of the concerned vehicle. In this system, the hot air from the engine passes through the tube and it is exchanged between that of the cabin and coolant. The recent models come with the provision to control temperature by way of adjusting the water valve and going with the air blending system. Though, we get to see topnotch models nowadays, this acted as the basic system which would always be regarded as a great invention.

Margaret invented the car heater for the purpose of providing warmth to the chill toes of the riders. Her invention came across as a huge advantage for aristocratic travelers in the 19^th century. It provided for the much needed warmth and comfort to those who get to ride the car.

Scan On,

DimTec 3D

Dr. Maria Telkes invention of Residential Solar Heating

Image by Wikimedia via Website

Dr. Maria Telkes invention of Residential Solar Heating

There are some inventions that were able to bring about a great revolution in the world of Science and technology. The Residential solar heating system is one of the most useful systems invented by a woman which is now being extensively used. Maria Telkes, a famous physical chemist and biophysicist, invented Residential Solar Heating. She also invented many patented solar power devices which include solar water distilling system that makes seawater portable, solar ovens and devices. She was called as “Sun Queen” for her immense contribution to solar energy space.

Maria Telkes and Solar energy research

Maria Telkes was born in Budapest, Hungary in the year 1900 to Aladar Telkes and Maria Laban de Telkes. She did her B.A., in Budapest University followed by a Ph.D in the year 1924. After paying visit to a relative in Cleveland, she decided to migrate to the United States and in 1925 she joined Cleveland Clinic Foundation as biophysicist where she worked under George Washington Crile on photo electric device for recording brain waves. Later she joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as Associate Research Professor in metallurgy field and this is when she started paying attention to solar energy research.

First residential solar heating system

In the year 1948, Maria Telkes worked along with architect Eleanor Raymond to design and construct the first ever modern home with solar energy heating system. Built in Dover, Massachusetts, the house is functional even today. Amelia Peabody a well-known sculptor is the one who sponsored the project to bring out the use of solar power. The working mechanism of the heating system is simple yet highly efficient.

How it works?

The heating system was designed to absorb and retain the solar energy through the chemical process of crystallization of sodium sulphate solution or Glauber’s salts. The heat is then distributed evenly through the rooms of the house with the help of a fan. The model includes boxes to collect solar energy from sunlight which is used to warm up the air in compartment found between the black metal sheet and double glass layer. The warm air is passed to the walls which transfers the heat to the Glauber’s salt and is stored there to be used later.

Maria Telkes is known for her extensive research and contribution to solar thermal storage system. All of her models and devices are highly popular and has helped transforming the solar energy field. 

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

March is Women's History Month

In Honor of March being Women's History Month we would like to start a series of Articles about some historic woman that had major influences with their inventions in history. These Inventions are based on technological fields and make a huge impact in technology today.

Articles will be about the following:

• Dr. Maria Telkes invention of Residential Solar Heating
• Ada Lovelace invention of the Computer Algorithm
• Dr. Shirley Jackson invention of Telecommunications Technology
• Hedy Lamarr invention of Transmission Technology
• Marie Van Brittan Brown invention of the Closed-circuit television
• Dr. Grace Murray Hopper invention of the Mark I computer

DimTec 3D is a Woman Owned business, we are WBENC Certified and proud members of organisations like ITWoman and Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership

Enjoy and Scan On,
Sarah