• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Deep (Brain) Thoughts with Medtronic's Neuromodulation President

    Grab and Go: Examining the Thrombectomy Device Market

    Fine Print: A Discourse on Additive Manufacturing

    MPO's 2022 Medtech Industry Year in Review

    Micro Molding for Medtech Is Miniature Magic
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Regulatory
    Financial/Business
    Top News
    Aspivix's Carevix Cervical Stabilizer Gains FDA OK

    Apyx Medical Submits 510(k) App for Renuvion APR Handpiece

    LivaNova Releases SenTiva DUO VNS for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

    CGM Devices Could Become Main Glucose Monitoring Solution in U.S.

    New Device Developed to Non-Invasively Measure Cervical Nerve Activity
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Deep (Brain) Thoughts with Medtronic's Neuromodulation President

    Grab and Go: Examining the Thrombectomy Device Market

    Fine Print: A Discourse on Additive Manufacturing

    MPO's 2022 Medtech Industry Year in Review

    Micro Molding for Medtech Is Miniature Magic
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Reflections on 2022 and What’s Ahead for Medtech: MPO Sounding Board

    3 Ways to Prepare for ISO 13485/Part 820 Harmonization

    A New Home for Theranos' Elizabeth Holmes?

    Health Cost Drivers for Large Employers

    Braving Change: Facing Fears in the Midst of Major Transitions
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Halkey-Roberts Corporation

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    Providence Enterprise USA Inc.

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The

    Paragon Medical
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Onshoring Medical Device Manufacturing Can Strengthen Supply Chains

    How Artificial Intelligence Can Combat Key Issues Impacting Healthcare

    Why Advanced Sensors Are Crucial Within Medical Pumps

    How Artificial Intelligence Could Help Prevent 80% of Chronic Diseases

    4 Ways to Use Injection Molding in Medical Device Manufacturing
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Halkey-Roberts Corporation

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    Providence Enterprise USA Inc.

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The

    Paragon Medical
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • eBook
    • Resources
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Inventor of GORE-TEX Technology Dies at 83

    Inventor, leader, and philanthropist passes peacefully at home following a long illness.

    Inventor of GORE-TEX Technology Dies at 83
    Bob Gore, former president and chairman of W. L. Gore & Associates, reenacts the discovery of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This revolutionary material is central to a wide range of products with high societal value that range from implantable medical devices, to wire and cable for aerospace applications, and protective apparel for first responders.
    Related Content
    • Let There Be Light: UV Disinfection Technology
    • SoftWave Cleared by FDA for Burn Wound Treatment
    • Avive Solutions Raises Additional $7 Million for Cardiac Arrest Response Technology
    • CarThera Enrolls First Melanoma Patient in SonoCloud Technology Trial
    • CardioMech Gains $18.5M Series A for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technology
    PR Newswire09.21.20
    Robert W. "Bob" Gore, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of W. L. Gore & Associates, a global material science company dedicated to improving lives through advancements in technology, passed away on September 17 at the age of 83.

    Bob Gore, whose scientific discoveries spawned GORE-TEX Outerwear and paved the way for advancements in industries as varied as performance fabrics, medical devices, space exploration and filtration, assumed the chairman emeritus role in 2018 after 57 years of service on the Gore board, 30 of those as chairman. Bob also served as president of Gore from 1976 to 2000.

    During his tenure as president, Gore became a billion-dollar enterprise. Marking the occasion in 1996, Bob said, "We plan to leave a legacy to society and to future generations: infants with surgically reconstructed hearts that live because of our medical products; governments of free societies that are better able to protect themselves because of defense products; communities with cleaner and healthier environments because of our filtration and sealant products; And yes, people that just have more fun in the outdoors because of our GORE-TEX Outerwear."

    A Prolific Inventor
    Bob's commitment to research and development led to his 1969 discovery of a versatile new polymer form, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The introduction of this groundbreaking new material opened a world of possibilities for products and further innovations. The substance provided myriad new product applications including GORE-TEX® Fabrics, the world's first waterproof breathable outerwear and a product that through the years has become synonymous with the outdoors.

    Bob's ePTFE innovation came about at a period in the late 1960s when the big research challenge for Gore was to develop products for computing, space exploration and defense. Trends in electronics at that time made it clear that miniature integrated circuits were the wave of the future and that less cable would be needed as computers became smaller.

    One night in October 1969, Bob was researching a new process for stretching extruded PTFE into pipe-thread tape when he discovered that the polymer could be "expanded." The discovery followed a series of unsuccessful experiments in which he was attempting to stretch heated rods of PTFE by about 10 percent.

    As it turned out, the right conditions for stretching PTFE were counterintuitive. Instead of slowly stretching the heated material, he applied a sudden, accelerating yank that unexpectedly caused it to expand to nearly 1000 percent. This resulted in the transformation of solid PTFE into a microporous structure that was mostly air.

    Continued advancement in the technology and application of ePTFE enabled Gore to deliver groundbreaking solutions to a wide array of industries. Today, ePTFE is at the heart of products found everywhere from the depths of space to the inner workings of the human body. Along the way, Bob would be awarded nine patents for his work with fluoropolymers. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his technical achievements and in 2006 was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

    Through his long career, he received many additional honors, including the Society of Plastics Engineers John W. Hyatt Award for benefits to society through the use of plastics and the Perkin Medal for innovation in applied chemistry resulting in commercial development from the Society of Chemical Industry (American Section). Bob also was an active member of the American Chemical Society and the 2019 Carothers Award recipient (Delaware Section).

    Early Life
    Born on April 15, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bob was the oldest of five children of Wilbert L. (Bill) and Genevieve W. (Vieve) Gore, founders of W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore). Bill joined the DuPont workforce after World War II and ultimately was transferred to DuPont's Experimental Station in Delaware.

    While still in transition, Bill and Vieve purchased land in Newark, Delaware, and started building a house with help from Bob and the rest of the Gore family. Bob led a rather ordinary teenage life, playing trombone, participating in athletics, and serving in student government.

    Bob earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and his master's degree and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

    Like his father, Bob was a born entrepreneur. As a sophomore in college, he solved an early technical challenge that helped kick start his parents' company which was founded in 1958 in the basement of their Delaware home.

    With a focus on exploring the untapped potential of the fluoropolymer PTFE, Gore served the wire and cable industry during its early years. In 1969, the company's cable technology landed on the moon as part of the historic Apollo 11 mission.

    A Mentor to Others
    In 1976, Bob succeeded his father as president and CEO of Gore. Under his leadership, the company's technological achievements flourished. "Bob Gore appreciated that innovation can arise from many different places if entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and fostered," said current Gore CEO Jason Field. "Innovation as activity, doing things with your hands, experimenting, testing and observing, was instilled in our Enterprise consistently and productively throughout Bob's tenure as both president and chairman."

    Bob also instilled focus and discipline into the innovation process, allowing the company to remain competitive in an increasingly complex, global business environment. His unequivocal promise that "our products will do what we say they will do" transformed Gore into a world-class product leadership enterprise.

    "Gore Associates ranging from engineers to marketers considered Bob a leader, a mentor and a contributor to their personal success and the success of the Enterprise," Field said. "I am sure I speak for all Associates when I say I grew as a leader through Bob's guidance. His passion for the quality and performance of our products and his incisive questions and insights shaped not only the culture of our technology efforts but the values at the core of who we are."

    Philanthropy
    Bob also strongly believed in nurturing the growth of future scientists and engineers in his community. He served as a trustee of the University of Delaware Research Foundation and a member of the school's board of trustees.

    In 1998, Bob and his mother, Vieve Gore, donated funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art classroom building on the University's green, which was christened Gore Hall in honor of his family. In 2013, Bob and his wife, Jane, contributed to the development of the University's state-of-the-art science and engineering research laboratories, named in their honor. Bob also has contributed significantly to the University of Minnesota and other institutions.

    Bob's nephew, current Gore board chair Bret Snyder, commented on his uncle's legacy. "Bob's innovative spirit shaped our Enterprise from the very beginning, paving the way for W. L. Gore & Associates to improve lives and industries. We will continue to build on his legacy with a commitment toward breaking new ground and developing solutions that make the world a better place."

    Bob is survived by his wife Jane and a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as four siblings (Susan Gore, Ginger Giovale, David Gore, Betty Snyder) and extended family.

    Memorial plans are yet to be announced.
    Suggested For You
    Let There Be Light: UV Disinfection Technology Let There Be Light: UV Disinfection Technology
    SoftWave Cleared by FDA for Burn Wound Treatment SoftWave Cleared by FDA for Burn Wound Treatment
    Avive Solutions Raises Additional $7 Million for Cardiac Arrest Response Technology Avive Solutions Raises Additional $7 Million for Cardiac Arrest Response Technology
    CarThera Enrolls First Melanoma Patient in SonoCloud Technology Trial CarThera Enrolls First Melanoma Patient in SonoCloud Technology Trial
    CardioMech Gains $18.5M Series A for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technology CardioMech Gains $18.5M Series A for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technology
    FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation for Ethicon’s Microwave Ablation Technology FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation for Ethicon’s Microwave Ablation Technology
    Paige Secures an Additional $15M from Goldman Sachs Paige Secures an Additional $15M from Goldman Sachs
    Catheter Ablation Technology and the Circular Economy Catheter Ablation Technology and the Circular Economy
    Researchers 3D Print Sensors Directly onto Organs Researchers 3D Print Sensors Directly onto Organs
    Avoiding the Ripple Effect of Bad Data: Humans and Machines Avoiding the Ripple Effect of Bad Data: Humans and Machines
    One Drop Unveils New AI Predictions for CGM Users One Drop Unveils New AI Predictions for CGM Users
    Surmodics Receives CE Mark for Drug Coated Balloon Surmodics Receives CE Mark for Drug Coated Balloon
    New Materials Impact the Medical Technology Outsourcing Market New Materials Impact the Medical Technology Outsourcing Market
    Getinge Develops Digital Platform with Semcon Getinge Develops Digital Platform with Semcon
    Forefront Medical Technology Changzhou, PRC Facility Capabilities Overview Forefront Medical Technology Changzhou, PRC Facility Capabilities Overview

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Let There Be Light: UV Disinfection Technology

      Let There Be Light: UV Disinfection Technology

      In this interview with UV-Concepts’ President, Jeremy Starkweather, he offers insights on the use of the technology in healthcare environments.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 09.28.20

    • SoftWave Cleared by FDA for Burn Wound Treatment

      SoftWave Cleared by FDA for Burn Wound Treatment

      Achieves clearances for both acute and chronic wounds.
      SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies 09.02.20

    • Avive Solutions Raises Additional $7 Million for Cardiac Arrest Response Technology

      Avive Solutions Raises Additional $7 Million for Cardiac Arrest Response Technology

      The funds will accelerate the company’s development of its platform solution.
      Business Wire 08.27.20


    • CarThera Enrolls First Melanoma Patient in SonoCloud Technology Trial

      CarThera Enrolls First Melanoma Patient in SonoCloud Technology Trial

      SoniMel study aims to demonstrate safety of SonoCloud procedure for patients with brain metastases from melanoma.
      CarThera 08.05.20

    • Cardiovascular
      CardioMech Gains $18.5M Series A for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technology

      CardioMech Gains $18.5M Series A for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technology

      The Series A will fund CardioMech's journey to treat patients in a first-in-human feasibility trial.
      PR Newswire 08.05.20

    Loading, Please Wait..

    Trending
    • Study: Smartphone Therapeutic Helps Improve Fibromyalgia In Patients
    • The Future Of Biomedical Engineering Advancements
    • Environmental Sustainability Becoming Increasingly Important To Medtech Industry
    • Medtronic's Recall Of Mahurkar Catheters Is Class I
    • A New Approach To Post-Market Surveillance
    Breaking News
    • Aspivix's Carevix Cervical Stabilizer Gains FDA OK
    • Apyx Medical Submits 510(k) App for Renuvion APR Handpiece
    • LivaNova Releases SenTiva DUO VNS for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
    • CGM Devices Could Become Main Glucose Monitoring Solution in U.S.
    • New Device Developed to Non-Invasively Measure Cervical Nerve Activity
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November 2022

    • MPO's 2022 Year in Review
    • Fine Print: A Discourse on Additive Manufacturing
    • Grab and Go: Examining the Thrombectomy Device Market
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    GOED Elects New Board Officers for 2023
    Aspire Hires Darrec Jones as VP of Business Development
    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    PPG Completes COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Denmark
    10 Partners of the Automotive Industry Form JV, Cofinity-X
    BASF Recognized as Top Company for Supplier Diversity
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Aspivix's Carevix Cervical Stabilizer Gains FDA OK
    Apyx Medical Submits 510(k) App for Renuvion APR Handpiece
    LivaNova Releases SenTiva DUO VNS for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Bionova Expansion Project to Quadruple GMP Biologics Manufacturing Capacity
    Steriline Provides Fill-Finish Solution for Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing
    Merck Revenues up 22% for the Year to $59.3B
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Mielle Unveils Haircare Bundles Inspired by Amazon Original Series Harlem
    Kering Appoints Former L’Oréal and Estée Lauder Exec as CEO of Kering Beauté
    Paco Rabanne, Fashion & Perfume Designer, Dies
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Elf Cosmetics Grows Net Sales By 49% in Q3
    Sally Beauty Holdings Reports Net Sales of $957 Million in Q1 Results
    Murad and Active Minds To Combat Health Epidemic of Stress
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Roland DGA Announces Key Changes to Leadership Team
    Ball Reports 2022 Results
    3D Printing Materials Market Worth $7.9 Billion by 2027: MarketsandMarkets
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Polytag develops new UV tag reading technology
    Enterprise Print Group adds Screen Truepress Jet L350UV SAI E
    Rotocon announces wine label design competition
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Kimberly-Clark Supports Period Poverty Initiative in Australia
    Suominen Reports Q4, Full Year Results
    Qvin Menstrual Blood Diagnostic Device Receives FDA Approval in Thailand
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Toetal Solutions Secures $1.8 Million in New Financing
    Adrian Tyndall Joins Axogen's Board of Directors
    ADSM-Synchro Medical Acquired by Tyber Medical
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Zebra Provides East West Shrine Bowl with RFID Tracking Technology
    AAAS Elects Three ORNL Scientists as Fellows
    Flex Recognized as One of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2023

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login