Barbara J. Hamby

sign-up for our email list

Uninvented Inventions

In my later years, I regret that I never followed through on any of my ideas for inventions. Some of those inventions were brought forth by more ambitious intellects. Some still don’t exist.

The advent of the latest reality television program showcasing inventors has reminded me of some of my earlier brilliant (or so I thought) fantasies. When I worked swing shift at Boeing in Seattle and had to park about a half mile from the plant building, I wanted a remote device that would start my engine and warm up the car in winter without making my car more vulnerable to thieves. I’ve heard such an invention exists today.

By the way, Boeing had a practice of rewarding employees for suggestions that management chose to implement. The one I submitted, that I believed best, was turned down. Several years later, it became policy. What it entailed, I can’t remember exactly, (some way of streamlining paper work) but I was chagrined when I recognized my idea. With the turnover Boeing had, management probably thought I had left by then. (Does anyone know if Boeing still uses those blue action memos, or are they computerized now?)

A possible improvement in kitchen design occurred to me many backaches ago. If there were some way to adjust the height of kitchen sinks and appliances or cupboards, it would bless both short and tall women. Of course, it might put some chiropractors and/or doctors out of business. This invention might work somewhat the way tip-outs in RV’s slide around.

Some of my other brain creations are lost in the labyrinth these days and it’s probably just as well. I don’t need more regrets.