Robert Kearns
Engineer, inventor of windscreen wiper
Born
1927
99 years ago
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An American engineer invented the intermittent windscreen wiper, a device that allows windshield wipers to pause between wipes. This invention made driving in rain safer and more convenient. Kearns demonstrated the prototype in the early 1960s and patented the invention in 1964. His prolonged legal battles against major automotive companies for patent infringement garnered national attention and highlighted issues of intellectual property rights. Kearns's story was later depicted in the 2008 film 'Flash of Genius.'
Invented the intermittent windscreen wiper
Engaged in high-profile legal battles with auto manufacturers
Other People Who Died on February 9th
Miklós Horthy
Hungarian admiral and Regent of Hungary
Born
June 18th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. Horthy was an admiral in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during World War I and played a significant role in the establishment of the interwar period in Hungary. His leadership was marked by the restoration of the monarchy without a king, as well as economic and political instability. Horthy aligned Hungary with the Axis Powers during World War II, which included the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. Following the war, he was captured by the Allies and exiled, living in Portugal until his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingMaurice Schumann
French Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
April 10th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1998 27 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent journalist and politician in France, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Played a significant role in post-World War II politics and was involved in the founding of the European Economic Community. Contributed to numerous national and international debates and policies during a transformative era in French history.
Continue ReadingClaude Ryan
Canadian journalist and politician
Born
January 26th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2004 21 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent figure in Canadian journalism and politics. Served as the editor of the Montreal daily newspaper Le Devoir, focusing on issues of social justice and political integrity. As a politician, represented the Liberal Party as a member of the House of Commons and served as the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. His tenure in politics emphasized the importance of federalism and the need for constitutional reform in Canada.
Continue ReadingFyodor Dostoyevsky
Russian novelist, 'Crime and Punishment'
Born
1821 205 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1881 144 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and philosopher, this individual explored themes of morality, free will, and the nature of evil through complex characters and intricate plots. Major works include 'Crime and Punishment', which examines the psychological torment of a young man contemplating murder, and 'The Brothers Karamazov', a philosophical exploration of faith and doubt. His narrative style melded realism with deep psychological insight, leaving a lasting legacy in literature.
Continue ReadingFrederick III of Denmark
King of Denmark; introduced absolutism
Born
March 18th, 1609 416 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1670 355 years ago — 60 years old
Ruled as the King of Denmark from 1648 until death in 1670. Initiated a transformation in governance towards absolutism. Oversaw the consolidation of royal power and the establishment of a more centralized state. Engaged in conflicts during the Northern Wars, which influenced territorial borders in the region. Strengthened Danish influence in Northern Europe.
Continue ReadingHerbert A. Simon
Political Scientist, Economist, Nobel Laureate
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2001 24 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed to the fields of political science and economics with significant research on decision-making processes within organizations. Developed the concept of bounded rationality and was a pioneer in information processing theory. Served as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and published a wide range of academic works, influencing both economics and cognitive psychology. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1978 for work on decision-making in economic organizations.
Continue Reading