Communication Tech
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s research paved the way for this feature that lets you see who is calling before you pick up.
What is Caller ID? (Also accepted: Call Waiting)
He is the NASA engineer who invented the world’s most famous water gun, the Super Soaker.
Who is Lonnie Johnson?
This surgeon and "Father of the Blood Bank" discovered how to store and transport blood plasma.
Who is Dr. Charles Drew?
This phrase, meaning "the real thing," is widely believed to refer to the high-quality oiling machines designed by this inventor.
Who is Elijah McCoy?
Nearly 90% of microphones used in phones and cameras today are based on the "electret microphone" co-invented by this man.
Who is James Edward West?
In 1923, this inventor added the "yellow" or "amber" light to the traditional red-and-green traffic signal.
Who is Garrett Morgan?
She was the first Black female doctor to receive a medical patent, specifically for the "Laserphaco Probe" used to treat cataracts.
Who is Dr. Patricia Bath?
Lewis Latimer didn't invent the lightbulb, but he patented this part made of carbon that made bulbs last longer.
What is the Carbon Filament?
This "Vice President of Engineering" at Google holds over 200 patents, many of which made Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) possible.
Who is Marian Croak?
This nurse and her husband co-invented the first home security system, featuring a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone.
Who is Marie Van Brittan Brown?
This inventor created a control unit for the artificial heart pacemaker after losing many relatives to heart failure.
Who is Otis Boykin?
He revolutionized the shipping industry by inventing the first portable air-cooling unit for trucks and trains.
Who is Frederick McKinley Jones?
In 1887, this "Black Edison" patented the Multiplex Telegraph, which allowed moving trains to communicate with stations.
Who is Granville T. Woods?
To keep riders from falling out of shafts, he patented the first automatic opening and closing elevator doors in 1887.
Who is Alexander Miles?
This physical therapist invented an electronic feeding device to help amputees eat independently after WWII.
Who is Bessie Blount Griffin?
This inventor’s "Lasting Machine" automated the process of attaching soles to shoes, making footwear affordable for everyone.
Who is Jan Ernst Matzeliger?
This woman's algorithms for satellite modeling laid the mathematical foundation for the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Who is Dr. Gladys West?
Before the Murphy bed, this first Black woman to receive a US patent invented the "folding cabinet bed."
Who is Sarah E. Goode?
He was the lab technician who helped pioneer the surgical treatment for "Blue Baby Syndrome," though he was not credited for years.
Who is Vivien Thomas?
This chemist and inventor created a system for the synthetic production of cortisone and a "fire-foam" for putting out fires.
Who is Percy Julian?