Wilson Greatbatch Quotes

A collection of quotes by Wilson Greatbatch.

Wilson Greatbatch (September 6, 1919 – September 27, 2011) was an American electrical engineer and inventor. He is best known for developing the implantable cardiac pacemaker, a medical device that has saved countless lives.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Greatbatch initially pursued a career in engineering. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in 1950. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics officer, gaining valuable experience in developing radar systems.

In 1956, while working as a research engineer at a university laboratory, Greatbatch made a serendipitous mistake while building a circuit for heart rhythm experiments. He accidently installed the wrong resistor, resulting in a circuit that produced intermittent electrical pulses. Recognizing the potential application in cardiac pacing, he refined and miniaturized his invention, creating the world's first successful implantable pacemaker in 1960.

Greatbatch's pacemaker innovation revolutionized the field of cardiology. His device used a long-lasting lithium battery and was small enough to be implanted near the heart, significantly reducing the need for bulky external machinery.

Throughout his career, Greatbatch held over 350 patents and founded several successful companies. His contributions to medical technology earned him numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Technology and the Lemelson-MIT Lifetime Achievement Award.

Wilson Greatbatch's remarkable invention continues to impact the lives of millions worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of medical science. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and improved healthcare.

Rocket scientists agree that we have about reached the limit

Rocket scientists agree that we have about reached the limit of our ability to travel in space using chemical rockets. To achieve anything near the speed of light we will need a new energy source and a new propellant. Nuclear fission is not an option.

Wilson Greatbatch

Travel

When you buy a gallon of gas, over 60 percent of the energy

When you buy a gallon of gas, over 60 percent of the energy you pay for goes out the radiator in the form of waste heat? That's why you have a radiator in your car in the first place.

Wilson Greatbatch

Car

We need the kind of leadership exemplified by President Kenn

We need the kind of leadership exemplified by President Kennedy to just do it! But we must do it as good stewards, aggressively exerting control over the moon. We can best do this by going there.

Wilson Greatbatch

Leadership