Women inventors and entrepreneurs has steadily increased worldwide in almost all the manufacturing and services sector. Through this article we are acknowledging the achievements of women inventors and encourage the next generation of women to continue making their mark in the world of innovation.
Nobody likes to taste those coarse and bitter grounds of coffee beans in their favorite choice of coffee drink. For that, coffee filters are introduced by the well known “Melitta Bentz“, that allows the liquid coffee to flow through, but traps the coffee grounds.
Melitta Bentz – The Woman behind the invention of the coffee filters
She was a German housewife who, in 1908, came up with the idea of using a simple piece of blotting paper from her son’s school notebook to filter coffee grounds. She punctured the bottom of a brass pot and placed the paper there, creating the world’s first coffee filter.
On 20 June 1908, the Imperial Patent Office granted her utility model protection for her round filter with prefabricated filter paper. The patent was officially published in the “Patentblatt” (patent bulletin) in July 1908.
Melitta’s invention revolutionized coffee brewing, as it allowed for a smoother and less gritty cup of coffee compared to traditional methods like using a cloth or metal sieve.
Her innovation eventually led to the founding of the Melitta Bentz Company, which produced and marketed the coffee filters. The company continues to be a prominent name in the coffee industry today.
Helen Augusta Blanchard – Leading lady of sewing machine technology and innovation
“Helen Augusta Blanchard“ known for her numerous inventions dealing with sewing machines and sewing technology. She was granted 28 patents between 1873 and 1915.
Blanchard is most famous for her invention of the zigzag sewing machine, which she patented in 1873. In addition to her zigzag sewing machine, Blanchard held several other patents related to sewing machines and footwear manufacturing processes.
Helen Augusta Blanchard’s contributions to the world of invention and women entrepreneurship were significant, and she remains an important figure in the history of sewing machine technology and innovation.
Women entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to innovation and creativity throughout history and have proved that empowering women to participate fully in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), can unlock their unique perspectives and ideas to create a better world for all.