Ninety percent of microphones used today are based on the ingenuity of African American inventor James Edward West.

West and a colleague, Gerhard Sessler, developed the mic (officially known as the Electroacoustic Transducer Electret Microphone) while working for Bell Laboratories. They received a patent for the mic in 1962.

Throughout his 40-year career with Bell Labs, West obtained 47 U.S. patents and more than 200 foreign patents, making him one of the most prolific black inventors in history.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Exclusive Sponsor

This weekly Invention Tips newsletter is brought to you by InventHelp, "The Invent Help People," America's leading inventor service firm. InventHelp can assist you in trying to submit your invention or new product idea to companies, as well as help you obtain affordable patent services. To request more information, visit www.inventhelp.com or call toll-free 1-800-INVENTION.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Invention Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Sherril Steele-Carlin

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!