Peter L.P. Dillon Color CCD inventor
The CCD was monochrome. Dillon made it color, and now it’s in your phone, and more.
From This is True for 3 May 2026
invention
Inventors and big picture idea people not otherwise in another category
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
George E. Smith Electronic Photography Inventor
His work is on your phone, maybe your doorbell, and just about every spacecraft.
From This is True for 8 June 2025
Jerry Merryman The calculating
“Jerry Merryman was the most brilliant man that I’ve ever met. Period.”
From This is True for 10 March 2019
Earl Bakken Electric tinkerer
Bakken invented the first portable battery-operated pacemaker.
From This is True for 28 October 2018
Trevor Baylis Wound-up inventor
Baylis loved inventing things that people needed, but wouldn’t necessarily bring in big bucks.
From This is True for 11 March 2018
Dick Morley The automated
Morley invented the PLC, which revolutionized manufacturing.
From This is True for 22 October 2017
Valerie Hunter Gordon Disposable diaper inventor
Gordon invented disposable diapers. “It seemed extraordinary that it hadn’t been done before.”
From This is True for 23 October 2016
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