What did Dr James Edward Maceo West invent?
foil electret microphone
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.
What did James West discover?
electret transducer
James West is a U.S. inventor and professor who, in 1962, developed the electret transducer technology later used in 90 percent of contemporary microphones.
Why was James E West Important?
West, a research professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering, is best known as the co-inventor of the foil-electret transducer, an inexpensive but highly sensitive device that revolutionized the sound industry and is now the basis of sound transmission in most cell phones, hearing aids.
What was James West contributions?
West’s inventions and contributions in electrical engineering have garnered him a great deal of recognition. In 1999, West was the fourth African American selected to join the National Inventors Hall of Fame for the invention of the electret microphone. He also received the U.S. National Medal of Technology in 2006.
Did a black man invent the microphone?
And the vast majority of microphones used today, including the microphones used in phones and cameras, use a microphone co-invented by a Black man. Dr. James E. West was tasked with creating a more sensitive and compact microphone while working at Bell Labs in 1960.
Is James West a doctor?
Palm Desert, California, U.S. James Ward West (March 29, 1914 – July 24, 2012) was an American physician, psychiatrist, surgeon, and pioneer in the fields of organ transplantation and addiction treatment. West practiced as a surgeon from 1948 to 1981. He then focused on psychiatry during his later career.
Who is the inventor of microphone?
James Edward Maceo WestMicrophone / Inventor
What is James West most famous for?
James West, a research professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University, is known worldwide as the co-inventor of the foil electret microphone.
What has a black person invented?
The Three-Light Traffic Light, Invented by Garrett Morgan in 1923. With only an elementary school education, Black inventor (and son of an enslaved parent), Garrett Morgan came up with several significant inventions, including an improved sewing machine and the gas mask.
Who is the most famous black inventor?
George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Lonnie G. Johnson, Garrett Morgan, Patricia Bath, Percy Julian and more are responsible for some of the world’s greatest technological and social advancements.
How did James West overcome obstacles?
Public school education for black children in Farmville, Virginia was a disgrace, but West overcame these barriers imposed by prejudice through a determination to learn and a family that recognized the value of education.
What is the James E West Award?
Purpose. The James E. West Fellowship Award is a recognition authorized by the National Council, B.S.A. and presented by the Heart of America Council for individuals and chartered units who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Heart of America Council James West Fellowship fund.
Who was James West and what did he invent?
Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. James Edward West, Ph.D., was a Bell Laboratories Fellow at Lucent Technologies where he specialized in electro, physical and architectural acoustics.
When did James E West invent the mic?
If you’ve ever talked on the telephone, you’ve probably used his invention. Dr. James E. West and a colleague, Gerhard Sessler, developed the mic (officially known as the Electroacoustic Transducer Electret Microphone) while with Bell Laboratories, and they received a patent for it in 1962.
How many patents does James E West have?
James E. West holds 47 US patents and more than 200 foreign patents from his 40-year career with Bell Laboratories. During his career, West also involved himself with programs designed to encourage minorities to take more of a role in the sciences.
Who was the inventor of the electret microphone?
Dr. James E. West and a colleague, Gerhard Sessler, developed the mic (officially known as the Electroacoustic Transducer Electret Microphone) while with Bell Laboratories, and they received a patent for it in 1962.