#Blackhistorymonthscientists

In observation of Black History Month, Kiddie Science once again spotlights #BlackHistoryMonthScientists.

Miriam E. Benjamin was a school teacher and inventor. In 1888, she was the second African American woman to receive a patent for the Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels. The chair worked when the person sitting would press a small button on the back of the chair which would then send a signal to a waiting attendant. A light would illuminate as well, allowing the attendant to see which guest needed help. The system was eventually adopted by the United States House of Representatives and was a precursor to the signaling system used on airplanes.

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​When Henry Brown patented a “receptacle for storing and preserving papers on November 2, 1886, this was a fire and accident safe container made of forged metal, which could be sealed with a lock and key. Anyone who has ever had important documents stored in a safe and saved in a fire can thank Brown.

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​A contemporary example of a modern-day #BlackHistoryMonthScientist, is Lonnie George Johnson, an engineer and inventor who holds more than 80 patents. Johnson invented the Super Soaker water gun. In 1980 Johnson formed his own law firm and licensed the Super Soaker to Larami Corporation. Two years later the Super Soaker became the best selling toy in America.

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​Next time you're ironing a shirt, think of African American inventor, Sarah Boone. In 1892, Boone obtained patent rights for her improvements to the ironing board. The new ironing board was designed to improve the quality of ironing sleeves and the bodies of women's garments.

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