FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT…

STANFORD OVSHINSKY

1 Father’s influence

He named his first invention the ‘Benjamin Center Drive’ after his father Benjamin Ovshinsky, a Jewish immigrant from Lithuania.

2 Fastest machinery

Ovshinsky’s high-speed lathe invention was used during the Korean War to make artillery shells, as it could produce them ten-times faster than other machines could.

3 Inventor over businessman

The business Ovshinsky set up with his wife began to lose money annually for decades. However, he said: “A real inventor is not motivated by money. It’s about the idea and the creation.”

4 Self-taught scientist

Having received no further education after high school, Ovshinsky’s talents in science were learned at home while he worked as a tool-maker.

5 Powering the Prius

Among his inventions was the Toyota Prius’ nickel-metal hydride battery. It is the world’s first successful hybrid car, as well as the best selling.