Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun

[The Straight Story]

Jack Cover dies at 88; scientist invented the Taser stun gun

By Elaine Woo
February 13, 2009
Jack Cover, an aerospace scientist who invented the Taser stun gun -- a device used by thousands of law enforcement agencies to subdue unruly offenders with electrical shocks -- has died. He was 88.

Cover had Alzheimer's disease and died of pneumonia Saturday at the Golden West Retirement Home in Mission Viejo, said his wife, Ginny.

Trained as a nuclear physicist, Cover spent most of his career working in aerospace and defense industries. He was a chief scientist for North American Aviation (later Rockwell International) and helped the firm become a primary NASA contractor on the Apollo moon landing program in the early 1960s.

He also was a born inventor who in the 1940s already was building gadgets, including cooked-food testers, voice- activated switches and an electric toothbrush. One of his last brainstorms was an alternative-energy generator.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-jack-cover13-2009feb13,0,4344955.story

[Jack_DeLeon]

1. While I wouldnt personally use a Taser atleast this guy invented something to try to save lives...

its not his fault the government ends up abusing them.

[sailor65]

2. His invention has saved countless lives

sadly we only ever hear about the exceptions

[El Supremo]

3. He had a dog named Taser at Westminster this week. n/m

[NV Whino]

4. I'm stunned.

[11 Bravo]

5. Inappropriate ...

but funny!

[TK421]

6. Shocking news...may he writhe, I mean rest in peace!