Wilson Greatbatch

Date of Birth: September 6, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 27, 2011

Biography

Wilson Greatbatch was an American engineer and inventor, best known for his invention of the implantable cardiac pacemaker. Born in Buffalo, New York, Greatbatch displayed an early interest in electronics and engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, after which he pursued an education in electrical engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree from the University of Buffalo. Greatbatch’s most significant contribution to medical science came in 1958 when he accidentally invented the implantable pacemaker. While working on a heart rhythm recorder, he inserted the wrong resistor and discovered that the circuit could mimic the rhythmic pulses of the human heart. This serendipitous discovery led to the development of the first successful implantable pacemaker, which revolutionized the treatment of heart conditions and has saved countless lives. Throughout his career, Greatbatch held over 350 patents and was a prolific inventor in fields ranging from medical devices to energy solutions. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1986 and received numerous accolades for his contributions to engineering and medicine.

5 Interesting Facts about Wilson Greatbatch

1. Wilson Greatbatch served as a radio operator in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

2. He held over 350 patents in various fields, including medical devices and energy.

3. Greatbatch’s pacemaker prototype was first successfully implanted in a dog in 1958.

4. He founded Wilson Greatbatch Ltd., which manufactured pacemaker batteries and other medical devices.

5. Greatbatch was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1986.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wilson Greatbatch

1. “The joy of engineering is to find a straight line on a double logarithmic diagram.”

2. “We are not here to make money; we are here to make something that the world needs.”

3. “Innovation is a state of mind.”

4. “A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes.”

5. “Invention is the mother of necessity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Wilson Greatbatch’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million, largely due to his successful inventions and the company he founded.

Children

Wilson Greatbatch had four children: Wilson Jr., Nancy, Virginia, and John. His family has continued to honor his legacy through various philanthropic efforts and by supporting advancements in medical technology.