Peter Lynn Kite-maker
Lynn engineered by far the largest kite ever built, and successfully flew it.
From This is True for 19 April 2026
invention
Inventors and big picture idea people not otherwise in another category
Norman C. Pickering Pickup artist
“I only do what I love to do.”
From This is True for 22 November 2015
Forrest Bird Aeronautic physician
Bird created the artificial respirator, inspired by …airplanes?!
From This is True for 2 August 2015
S. Donald Stookey Glass chemist
He inventing CorningWear … and photogray sunglasses.
From This is True for 9 November 2014
Stephanie Kwolek Polymer chemist
“That’s when I said ‘Aha.’ I knew then and there it was an important discovery.”
From This is True for 22 June 2014
Ray Dolby Sound physicist
Dolby was transfixed by sound: how it was made, and how it could be recorded.
From This is True for 15 September 2013
Sam Farber Houseware innovator
“It’s hard to think of a vegetable peeler as radical. But I guess it was.”
From This is True for 23 June 2013
Charles Burford The twisted
Burford’s ideas were the best thing since sliced bread.
From This is True for 19 May 2013
Al Fritz “Sting-Ray” designer
He designed a bike that went places — and one that didn’t, which is what made it sell.
From This is True for 12 May 2013
Stefan Kudelski Portable audiophile
Kudelski created the first portable audio tape recorder while still a student.
From This is True for 3 February 2013