Born: February 10, 1931 in Prince Edward County, Virginia

James West and co-inventor Gerhard Sessler developed the Electroacoustic Transducer, more commonly known as the Electret Microphone, U.S. Patent No. 3118022. Ninety percent of all microphones produced annually and used in everyday items such as telephones, hearing aids, camcorders, and multimedia computers employ West and Sessler's technology. West holds over 200 U.S. and foreign patents.

Related Links

• Journeys of Innovation series: Going beyond the horizon

• Interview of National Inventors Hall of Fall Inductee James West [video]