Mar.4, 2014
The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has released the names of its 2014 Inductees. The NIHF Inductee list includes inventors who have made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields, and in many cases, changed the world forever – names such as William Bowerman, who created the modern athletic shoe; Charles Hull, who invented the 3D printer; Richard DiMarchi, whose Humalog insulin improved the quality of life for millions of diabetes patients; and Frances Arnold, whose process for accelerating the evolution of enzymes has contributed to significant advancements in science, medicine, chemicals, and energy.
Chuck Hull, the inventor of 3D printing and founder of 3D Systems, will be inducted into the NIHF for his globally impactful and transformative work inventing and pioneering 3D printing.
Hull is being recognized by the NIHF and USPTO for his invention of the original 3D printing technology, Stereolithography (SLA). Hull also co-created the STL file format, which continues to be the gold standard in ultra high-definition 3D printing connectivity with all CAD formats.
In 1983, Hull 3D printed a small cup, the first-ever object created with additive technology. The success of Hull's process served as a catalyst to his founding of 3D Systems in 1986.
Hull continues to lead the 3D printing revolution as 3D Systems' Chief Technology Officer, celebrating 30 years of continuous 3D printing innovation and presiding over seven different 3D print technologies, more than 100 materials and 1,700 patents.
Since 1973, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has been honoring the individuals who have conceived, patented and advanced great technological achievements. To be inducted, candidates must hold a United States patent that has contributed significantly to the nation's welfare and the advancement of science and useful arts.
"Each year we have the distinct honor of recognizing individuals whose contributions to society will resound throughout the ages," said Michael Oister, Invent Now CEO. "3D printing is an astounding technology that is poised to change the way our world works and the way we interact with it. We are delighted to welcome Chuck Hull to our NIHF family."
"I am deeply honored to become a part of the NIHF and be considered among the group of high caliber innovators who have transformed the world and improved the human condition in tangible and powerful ways," said Chuck Hull, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, 3DS. "I always knew that 3D printing had the capacity to change the entire design-to-manufacture process, but could not have anticipated the full impact that my work would have on every facet of our lives. It is incredibly humbling and exhilarating to be a part of this transformation."
Hull will be honored on May 21, 2014, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia.
"The class of 2014 has made contributions to make our lives safer, healthier, more connected, more efficient, and more convenient. They gave us the 3D printer, directed evolution, technology to clean the world's water supply, foundations of wireless communications and computer technology, and so much more. As we welcome all 2014 Inductees to our NIHF family, we also look forward to them serving as inspiration for future generations through our education programs including Camp Invention and the Collegiate Inventors Competition.
The 2014 Inductees to the National Inventors Hall of Fame are:
- Frances H. Arnold – Directed evolution of enzymes that enables a wide range of solutions in fields including chemical engineering, bioengineering, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and energy
- Richard DiMarchi – Insulin Lispro (Humalog®), a drug that significantly reduced the risk of life-threatening complications for diabetes patients
- Mildred Dresselhaus – Development of super lattice structures and related technologies that served as the foundation for the lithium-ion batteries used today in computers, cell phones, and automobiles
- Ashok Gadgil – Innovative solutions for providing clean water in the world's developing nations
- Charles Hull – Stereolithography commonly known as 3D printing
- Howard Aiken, Benjamin Durfee, Frank Hamilton, and Clair Lake (honored posthumously) – Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC or Mark 1), which was the first automatic calculator in the U.S. and a precursor to modern computer technology
- George Antheil and Hedy Lamarr (honored posthumously) – Frequency hopping techniques that are often referenced as an important development in wireless communications
- William Bowerman (honored posthumously) – A lighter and faster athletic shoe
- Otis Boykin (honored posthumously) – Advancements in electrical resistors that made possible the steady workings of guided missiles, pacemakers, televisions, radios, computers, and other electrical devices
- David Crosthwait (honored posthumously) – Advancements in indoor climate control technology that made heating systems in larger buildings more effective
- Willis Whitfield (honored posthumously) – First modern clean room
The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) inductees includes nearly 500 inventors spanning three centuries of lifetimes, including Eli Whitney, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Henry Ford, Albert Einstein, and George Eastman, as well Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (Apple co-founders), and John Harvey Kellogg.
Posted in 3D Printing Companies
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Great imagination and unique thinking.... Congratulations to another innovating thinker, Mr. Hull!!
El. from LTF wrote at 3/4/2014 10:38:54 PM:
Nice, congratulations, proud father of 3D printing! ^.^
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