Inventions and Ancestral Inventors of Bruce Eldine Morton

1.  Centrifuged Density Gradient Analyzers

Sept, 1967:  Removal, high resolution optical scanning, and fractionation of separated tissue polyribosomes.  Papers 12-14   (See Publications)

2.  Miniature Hang Glider Variometer

Oct, 1975:  Immediate accurate feedback of rate of climb and sink.  Sold about 30 instruments.

3.  Helmet Air speedometer

Nov, 1975:   In flight hang glider air speed.  Also made and sold.  Both were too labor intensive!

4.  Fiber Optic Densitometers A and B

Dec, 1982 and Dec, 1985:  Both the simple and the later more advanced prototype models were heavily used in my laboratory for years to measure x-ray film exposure density of brain autoradiograms.  University of Hawaii gave up patent rights.  The simple model was published as paper #42          (See:  Research Publications)

5.  Human Brain Slicer
 
 

Aug, 1987:  This cut distortion-free coronal human brain slabs (2 cm) for later freezing and thin-sectioning.  The device was reminiscent of a huge sushi cutter.  UH gave up patent rights.                                                       (See:  Human Brain Receptor Mapping)

6.  Trampoline Safety Net System

Apr, 1999:  A fool-proof safety net system making the Olympic Trampoline safe for even children. (See photos in: Gymnastic Activities)

7.  Hemisometer:  for the rapid estimation of hemisphericity

Oct, 2001:  These biophysical instruments can be used to determine individual hemisphericity. See:  The Reconstitution of Hemisphericity)

8.  Octahedron Sun Canopy

Dec, 2001:  Light, rapid-assembly, less sensitive to slope and wind.

 

Inventive Ancestors of Bruce E. Morton

The Nature of Their Inventions:                            

Rolla Morton

The Semi-Truck (enabled short radius turns) an early precursor is shown 

Morton Motor Car

William Morton

A Water Pump for wells

Frederick R. Morton (my Grandfather Fred)

First successful tractor-powered Earth Mover (enabled grading and filling over rough land)

Arriving in California at the beginning of the 20th century, these three sons of cartwright Asa Morton, while of the agrarian poor, were conceptually brilliant. 

To feed their families, they were literally forced to sell their patents or prototypes to others who were better funded and more familiar with the legal process.

(See:  Photos of the Asa Morton Family

 in 1908        and close up in 1915

(See Fred Morton's:  Musings of a Poor Inventor)

Alexander Bell, Sr.  (1790-1865)  Grandfather of Alexander Graham Bell 

1836: “The means to effect a complete and permanent removal of all vocal obstructions”