Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Out of both interest and economic necessity, Johnson's father was a skilled handyman who taught his six children to build their own toys.
When Johnson was still a small boy, he and his dad built a pressurized chinaberry shooter out of bamboo shoots.
At the age of 13, Johnson attached a lawnmower engine to a go-kart he built from junkyard scraps and raced it along the highway until the police pulled him over.
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Early Life, Family and Education
Lonnie George Johnson was born on October 6, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama.
His father was a World War II veteran who worked as a civilian driver at nearby Air Force bases, while his mother worked in a laundry and as a nurse's aid.
During the summers, both of Johnson's parents also picked cotton on his grandfather's farm.
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work history includes a U.S. Air Force term of service and a twelve-year stint at NASA, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
He invented the Super Soaker water gun in 1990, which has been among the world's bestselling toys ever since.[2]
Johnson was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He received several awards from NASA for his work in spacecraft system design at the jet propulsion laboratory.[8]
In 2008, he was awarded the Breakthrough Award from science magazine Popular Mechanics for his work related to JTEC and was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2011.[6][20]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949
In February 2013, Johnson filed suit against Hasbro after he discovered that he was being underpaid royalties for the Super Soaker and several Nerf line of toys.[18]
In November 2013, Johnson was awarded nearly $73 million in royalties from Hasbro Inc. in arbitration. According to Hasbro, the Super Soaker is approaching sales of $1 billion.[19]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Johnson tweaked the design of the water gun, replacing the water in the Super Soaker with a "toy [Nerf] projectile."
In 1996, Johnson received A U.S. Patent 5553598 A[17] for "Pneumatic launcher for a toy projectile and the like."
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Johnson conceived the Super Soaker while doing work with the U.S. Air Force. Initially it was called the “Power Drencher” when it appeared in toy shops in 1990, but after some tweaks and remarketing, it got its name.[13]
Selling between $10 to $60 depending on the model, the Super Soaker took off, generating $200 million in sales in 1991.
[2] Shortly after making the deal for the Super Soaker with the Larami Corporation, Larami became a subsidiary of Hasbro Inc. in February 1995.[16]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
JEMS has developed the Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter System (JTEC), listed by Popular Mechanics as one of the top 10 inventions of 2009. This system has potential applications in solar power plants and ocean thermal power generation.
It converts thermal energy to electrical energy using a non-steam process which works by pushing hydrogen ions through two membranes, with claimed advantages over alternative systems.[13]
The companies operate a research laboratory in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta.[14]
Johnson is a "part of a small group of African-American inventors whose work accounts for 6 percent of all U.S. patent applications."[15]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Johnson currently has two technology-development companies: Excellatron Solid State, LLC and Johnson Electro-Mechanical Systems (JEMS). They both currently operate in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta.
Excellatron Solid State, LLC is a U.S. -based technology company that focuses on the development and production of solid state batteries, particularly thin film batteries.
Its mission is stated as “…to develop revolutionary energy storage technology as well as the manufacturing technology required for its cost effective commercialization.”
The company's batteries boast safety, high temperature capability, long cycle life, thin flexible profiles, unique proprietary passivation barrier and packaging solution, and high rate capability.
Company is targeting military applications and implantable medical devices as initial consumers.[12]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
Career
During his time at NASA, from 1979 to 1991, Johnson worked on a variety of projects, including the Air Force missions Lab, developing the nuclear power source for the Galileo mission to Jupiter,[9] several weapons related projects, as well as an engineer on the Mariner Mark ll Spacecraft series for Comet Rendezvous and Saturn Orbiter Probe missions."[10] Johnson also worked on the stealth bomber program.[11]
In 1991, Johnson founded his own company, Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., of which he is also the president.[10]
More recently, he teamed up with scientists from Tulane University and Tuskegee University to develop a method of transforming heat into electricity with the goal of making green energy more affordable.[9]
Lonnie George Johnson
(born October 6, 1949)
After graduating from high school, Johnson attended Tuskegee University, obtaining a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in nuclear engineering.[2][7]
He also holds an honorary Ph.D. in Science from Tuskegee University.[8] He then worked for the U.S. Air Force, and then joined NASA's jet propulsion laboratory in 1979.[
Johnson was born in Mobile, Alabama.[3] His father was a World War II veteran and his mother worked as a nurse's aide.
He stated that he had "liked to tinker with things" from an early age when his father explained to him the basic principles of electricity.[4]
In his teenage years, Johnson attended the all-black Williamson High School in Mobile.[5] He drew much of his inspiration from George Washington Carver.[6]
In 1968, Johnson represented his high school in the Alabama science fair. He was the only black student in the fair at a time when African Americans did not have much presence in science.[4]
He created a robot he named "Linex", which was a compressed-air powered robot and took home first prize.[4]
Born February 10, 1931 in Farmville, Virginia, West had an interest in science from an early age.
While still in elementary school he inadvertently shocked himself while plugging in a radio; rather than frighten him, however, the experience only heightened his desire to learn about technology and its applications.
Within a few years, West had that opportunity, wiring homes for electricity as an assistant to an older relative.
The work of James Edward Maceo West transformed the way people around the world hear and transmit sound. In 1962, West, then a research scientist at Bell Laboratories, developed the foil electret microphone in partnership with his colleague Dr. Gerhard M. Sessler.
Until that time, most microphones, which transform sound into an electrical signal, needed a cumbersome and expensive battery in order to operate.
By contrast, West and Sessler used an electret, in
their case Teflon, to drive the sound conversion. Electrets are
materials that can be permanently charged or polarized following
exposure to an electric field.
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
James West is an American inventor and acoustician. He holds over 250 foreign and U.S. patents for the production and design of microphones and techniques for creating polymer foil electrets.
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
James was also instrumental in the creation and development of both the Corporate Research Fellowship Program (CRFP) for graduate students pursuing terminal degrees in the sciences, as well as the Summer Research Program, which together provided opportunities for over 500 non-white graduate students.
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
In addition to his many contributions to acoustical science, throughout his career West has been a fervent advocate for greater diversity in the fields of science and technology.[11]
While at Bell Laboratories, West co-founded the Association of Black Laboratory Employees (ABLE), an organization formed to "address placement and promotional concerns of Black Bell Laboratories employees."
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
He is also an inductee to the National Inventors Hall of Fame[16] and an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering.[17]
He is also the recipient of numerous other honors and awards. However, West feels that his greatest accomplishments are his four children Melanie, Laurie, James and Ellington
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
Dr. West has over 250 patents to his name.[9] At age 87 in 2018, he is still an active inventor working on a device to detect pneumonia in infant lungs.[10]
He holds over 250 foreign and U.S. patents for the production and design of microphones and techniques for creating polymer foil electrets.
Dr. West is the recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation,[15
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
Nearly 90 percent of more than two billion microphones produced annually are based on the principles of the foil-electret and are used in everyday items such as telephones, camcorders, hearing aids, baby monitors, and audio recording devices among others.[6]
West measured the acoustics of Philharmonic Hall in New York City.[7]
Recently, West teamed with Ilene Busch-Vishniac and studied the
acoustic environment of hospitals showing that hospitals are in general
too loud and that the noise levels affect staff and patients.[8]
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931 in
Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia)
Along with Gerhard Sessler, West invented the foil electret microphone in 1962 while developing instruments for human hearing research.[3]
Compared to the previous condenser microphones, the electret microphone has higher capacitance and does not require a DC bias.
[4] West and Sessler optimized the mechanical and surface parameters of the system.[5]
James Edward Maceo West
(born February 10, 1931)
West is the son of one of the "Hidden Figures" human computers who worked for NASA at Langley Research Center.[1] West received a master's degree in Physics from Temple University in 1957.
In 2001, West retired from Lucent Technologies after a distinguished 40-year career at Bell Laboratories where he received the organization's highest honor, being named a Bell Laboratories Fellow.
West then joined the faculty of the Whiting School
at Johns Hopkins University
where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering. In 2007, West received an honorary doctorate from
NJIT.[2]
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
In 2002, a documentary based on the story was released, entitled Beyond the Gates of Splendor.
In 2003, a musical based on the story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, entitled Love Above All, was staged at the Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore by Mount Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church.
This musical was staged a second time in 2007 at the NUS University Cultural Centre.
In 2006, a theatrical movie was released, entitled End of the Spear, based on the story of the pilot, Nate Saint, and the return trip of Saint's son attempting to reach the natives of Ecuador.
Life magazine published a ten-page article on Elliot's and his friends' mission and deaths.[13] After his death, his wife Elisabeth Elliot and other missionaries began working among the Huaorani, where they continued evangelistic work.
She later published two books, Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot and Through Gates of Splendor, which describe the life and death of her husband.
In 1991, the Jim Elliot Christian School was created in Denver, Colorado.
In 1997, the Jim Elliot Christian High School was founded in Lodi, California.[14]
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
Elliot and four other missionaries – Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and their pilot, Nate Saint – made contact from their Piper PA-14 airplane with the Huaorani using a loudspeaker and a basket to pass down gifts.
After several months, the men decided to build a base a short distance from the Indian village, along the Curaray River. There they were approached one time by a small group of Huaorani and even gave an airplane ride to one curious Huaorani whom they called "George" (his real name was Naenkiwi).
Encouraged by these friendly encounters, they began plans to visit the Huaorani, without knowing that Naenkiwi had lied to the others about the missionaries' intentions.[1]
Their plans were preempted by the arrival of a larger group of about 10 Huaorani warriors, who killed Elliot and his four companions on January 8, 1956.
Jim Elliot was the first of the five missionaries killed when he and Peter Fleming were greeting two of those attackers that showed themselves pretending they were interested in taking plane rides with them.
Elliot's body was found downstream, along with those of the other men, except that of Ed McCully which was found even farther downstream.[12]
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
Elliot and Fleming arrived in Ecuador on February 21, 1952, with the purpose of evangelizing Ecuador's Quechua Indians. They first stayed in Quito, and then moved to the jungle.
They took up residence at the Shandia mission station. On October 8, 1953, he married fellow Wheaton alumna and missionary Elisabeth Howard. The wedding was a simple civil ceremony held in Quito. Ed and Marilou McCully were the witnesses.
The
couple then took a brief honeymoon to Panama and Costa Rica, then
returned to Ecuador. Their only child, Valerie, was born February 27,
1955. While working with Quechua Indians, Elliot began preparing to
reach the Huaorani.
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
McCully married later that summer, forcing Elliot to look elsewhere for an unmarried man with whom he could begin working in Ecuador.
That man turned out to be Pete Fleming, a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in philosophy. He corresponded frequently with Elliot, and by September he was convinced of his calling to Ecuador.[10]
In the meantime, Elliot visited friends on the east coast, including his future wife, Elisabeth. In his journal he expressed hope that they would be able to be married, but at the same time felt that he was called to go to Ecuador without her. Elliot returned to Portland in November and began to prepare to leave the country.[11]
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
In the summer of 1950, while at Camp Wycliffe (Cameron Townsend's linguistics training camp in Oklahoma), Elliot practiced the skills necessary for writing down a language for the first time by working with a former missionary to the Quechua people.
The missionary told him of the Huaorani – also called the "Auca", the Quichua word for "savage" – a group of Ecuadorian indigenous people considered violent and dangerous to outsiders.
Elliot remained unsure about whether to go to Ecuador or India until July. His parents and friends wondered if he might instead be more effective in youth ministry in the United States, but considering the home church "well-fed", he felt that international missions should take precedence.[7]
Philip James Elliot
(October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
In 1941, Elliot entered Benson Polytechnic High School, studying architectural drawing. There he participated in numerous activities, including the school newspaper, the wrestling team, school plays, and the public-speaking club.
His acting ability led some of the teachers in the school to suggest that he pursue acting as a career, and his oratorical skills were similarly lauded—after Elliot prepared and delivered a speech in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt hours after his death, a faculty member praised it.[5]
What Did The Shepherds Do With This Good News?
1. They heard the good news. (8-14)
2. They responded to the good news. (15-16)
3. They were changed by the good news. (16-20)
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Application
1. It is possible for you to have the same joy that the shepherds
experienced.
2. True joy is only found in those who humble themselves.
What Did The Shepherds Do With This Good News?
1. They heard the good news. (8-14)
2. They responded to the good news. (15-16)
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
3. They were changed by the good news. (16-20)
Application
1. It is possible for you to have the same joy that the shepherds
experienced.
2. True joy is only found in those who humble themselves.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
What Did The Shepherds Do With This Good News?
1. They heard the good news. (8-14)
2. They responded to the good news. (15-16)
3. They were changed by the good news. (16-20)
Application
1. It is possible for you to have the same joy that the shepherds
experienced.
2. True joy is only found in those who humble themselves.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
What Did The Shepherds Do With This Good News?
1. They heard the good news. (8-14)
2. They responded to the good news. (15-16)
3. They were changed by the good news. (16-20)
Application
1. It is possible for you to have the same joy that the shepherds
experienced.
2. True joy is only found in those who humble themselves.
Not everyone is living on Mega Joy!
Elliot and four other missionaries – Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and their pilot, Nate Saint – made contact from their Piper PA-14 airplane with the Huaorani using a loudspeaker and a basket to pass down gifts.
After several months, the men decided to build a base a short distance from the Indian village, along the Curaray River.
There they were approached one time by a small group of Huaorani and even gave an airplane ride to one curious Huaorani whom they called "George" (his real name was Naenkiwi).
Encouraged by these friendly encounters, they began plans to visit the Huaorani, without knowing that Naenkiwi had lied to the others about the missionaries' intentions.[1]
Their plans were preempted by the arrival of a larger group of about 10 Huaorani warriors, who killed Elliot and his four companions on January 8, 1956.
Jim Elliot was the first of the five missionaries killed when he and Peter Fleming were greeting two of those attackers that showed themselves pretending they were interested in taking plane rides with them.
Elliot's body was found downstream, along with those of the other men, except that of Ed McCully which was found even farther downstream.[12]
Philip James Elliot
a.k.a. Jim Elliot
October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)
He was a American Christian missionary, and was one of five killed during Operation Auca, an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador.
