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• John H. "Jack" Cover was an aerospace engineer who invented the Taser stun gun, used by law enforcement instead of guns to take violent offenders into custody. He died on February 7, 2009, of pneumonia and Alzheimer's Disease.Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: John H. CoverMSNBC: TASER International's Statement On the Passing of John H. 'Jack' Cover (February 12, 2009)
  2. Born: April 6, 1920, New York CityLos Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  3. Spouse: Ginny CoverLos Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  4. Family: four children, two step-children, 10 grandchildren, five great-grand children.Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  5. Educated: BS, Phd, Physics, University of ChicagoLos Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  6. Employed: Army Air Forces test pilot during WWIILos Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  7. North American Aviation 1952-1964Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  8. Formed Taser Systems, Inc. in 1970Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)
  9. Worked for North American Aviation (now Rockwell International)Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)

• Jack Cover and the Taser

  Jack Cover was trained as a nuclear physicist who was a born inventor. In the 1940s, he built gadgets such as cooked-food testers, voice-activated switches, an electric toothbrush, and an alternative-energy generator.Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)

  His most successful invention was the Taser, which he began to work on in the 1906s as a response to airplane highjackings. He said he got the idea from the children's book, Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle.Los Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)

• Quote

  "Jack is an unsung hero. He did something great for the world, saved a lot of lives and prevented a lot of injuries."—retired police captain Greg MeyerLos Angeles Times: Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun (February 13, 2009)

  "Jack Cover was one of the most influential inventors of modern times. His memory will live on through the lives of hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers and private citizens who are positively affected by the life-saving technology he invented nearly 40 years ago. His dream of reducing violence through the TASER technology is being realized every day. Jack was a brilliant scientist and an important part of our lives and the founding of TASER International. He will be greatly missed."—Rick Smith, CEO and founder of TASER InternationalMSNBC: TASER International's Statement On the Passing of John H. 'Jack' Cover (February 12, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Taser | Alzheimer's Disease | Pneumonia

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