AL HR60

Honors National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee James E. West for his scientific accomplishments and contributions to technology.

Recognizes West's invention of the electret microphone (U.S. Patent Number 3,118,022) in 1962, developed with Gerhard Sessler at Bell Laboratories.

Notes that 90 percent of microphones used today are electret microphones, which are found in telephones, sound and music recording equipment, and hearing aids.

Acknowledges West's career accomplishments including over 200 U.S. and foreign patents, Fellowship in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the George R. Stibitz Trophy, and the 2006 National Medal of Technology.

Recognizes West's advocacy for science education, particularly among minority students, and dedicates the resolution to him.