September 12, 1958: Kilby and the IC

Article Abstract:

Preserving notes of significant inventions is important in maintaining a strong patent position. Jack Kilby kept careful notes of his innovation, the first monolithic integrated circuit, on Sept 12, 1958. The successful demonstration of a phase-shift oscillator showed that the IC concept could be applied to linear circuits. The 1958 notes were important because other researchers were racing to integrate an entire circuit on a single semiconductor substrate. Kilby, a Texas Instruments researcher, kept careful notes all through that summer while he designed and built a circuit. Some of Kilby's notes bear a second witnessing signature, but not all. This can prove crucial in defending patent applications. Kilby's notes proved more complete and durable than most and were used successfully in the patent application of Feb 1959 and again during a patent challenge in the mid-1960s.

Research, Officials and employees, Inventions, History, Texas Instruments Inc., TXN, Documentation, Patent, Kilby, Jack

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Biomechanically engineered athletes

Article Abstract:

Reasonably priced, high-speed portable video systems, low-cost microcomputers and workstations, and digitizing systems have been combined to expand the use of biomechanical motion analysis to improve athletic performance. Many university and medical center researchers and sports organizations are focusing on biomechanics as a primary means for improving performance in a wide variety of athletic events. They are using movement analysis systems that are becoming easier to use, cheaper and more functional. A typical system includes reflective or infrared markers mounted on an athlete, video cameras, automatic image digitizing hardware, and a host microcomputer or workstation, for prices ranging from $30,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Sports bio-mechanics personnel are usually engineers with experience in mechanical or biomedical engineering.

Biomechanics, Kinematics, Sports, Biomedical engineering, Performance improvement (Computers), Trends, Applications, Performance Measurement, Performance Improvement

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M. George Craford

Article Abstract:

Magnus George Craford, inventor of the yellow light-emitting diode, was born in Sioux City, IA, on Dec 29, 1938. He obtained his BA degree in physics from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1961. He completed his MS and PhD degrees in 1963 and 1967, respectively. He joined Monsanto Co, St. Louis, MO, where he used GaAsP on GaAs to produce yellow light-emitting diodes. He later joined the electronics division of Hewlett-Packard Co, San Jose, CA, as the R&D manager of the optoelectronics division.

Personalities, Scientists, Craford, George Magnus

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