Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2007) -- Continuing its commitment to honor invention and innovation, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has recognized the next group of world-class inventors who will be inducted into its ranks. This year's wide-ranging class includes inventors such as John Franz, who discovered the non-toxic popular weed killer Roundup, Allen Breed, who invented the automotive airbag, Maurice Hilleman, whose vaccines have nearly eliminated many common childhood diseases in developed countries, and Robert Metcalfe, who created Ethernet, the widely used local area network.

The 2007 group includes seven living inventors whose accomplishments have improved our lives. Medical imaging, information storage, communication networks, and biotechnology are just a few of the areas where their influence can be seen.

The 2007 class of inductees:

LIVING

• Paul Baran: Digital packet switching
• Emmett Chappelle: Bioluminescence techniques
• John Franz: Roundup herbicide
• Leroy Hood: DNA sequencer
• Paul Lauterbur: Magnetic resonance imagingMRI
• Peter Mansfield: Magnetic resonance imagingMRI
• Robert Metcalfe: Ethernet

POSTHUMOUS RECOGNITION

• Allen Breed: Automotive airbag
• David Cushman, Miguel Ondetti: Captopril
• Donald Davies: Digital packet switching
• William Goddard, John Lynott: Magnetic disk storage
• Peter Goldmark: Long playing record
• Maurice Hilleman: Vaccines
• Godfrey Hounsfield: CAT scanner
• Arthur Nobile: Prednisone
• Otto Wichterle: Soft contact lens

Every year, the National Inventors Hall of Fame honors through induction the individuals whose work has changed society and improved the way we live. Their vision, hard work, and creative drive have led to powerful new tools that shape the future while celebrating invention. The 2007 class will b
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Contact: Rini Paive
rpaiva@invent.org
330-388-6160
National Inventors Hall of Fame
8-Feb-2007