Luther Simjian

Early Life and Challenges

Luther George Simjian is an Armenian-American inventor and entrepreneur who was born on January 28, 1905, in Aintab, Ottoman Empire (now Gaziantep, Turkey). Throughout his career, Luther Simjian held over 200 patents, primarily in the fields of optics and electronics. He was known for his prolific and professional inventiveness. Some of his most significant inventions include a pioneering flight simulator, which was vital during World War II, and a groundbreaking improvement to the teleprompter.

Fleeing Conflict and Finding Opportunity in the U.S.

Simjian’s early life was marked by adversity. He and his family fled to Aleppo, Syria, during the Armenian genocide in 1915, only to return to Aintab in 1920. Simjian eventually made his way to the United States, settling in New Haven, Connecticut. He started working as a technician at the Yale School of Medicine, where he discovered his passion for photography. Simjian became the first director of the photography department at Yale School of Medicine in 1928.

Innovations in Photography: The PhotoReflex Camera

One of Simjian’s notable inventions was the self-photographing camera, also known as the PhotoReflex camera. Inspired by his dissatisfaction with repetitive yearbook portraits, he applied for a patent in 1929. This innovative camera allowed the subject to see the framed pose through a mirror before the photo was taken. Simjian collaborated with Sperry Gyroscope to establish PhotoReflex, a company named after the camera itself. In 1931, the camera was introduced at Wanamaker’s department store in New York City, receiving widespread press coverage.

The Autofocus Camera: A Game Changer

Simjian’s self-photographing camera later led to the invention of the autofocus (self-focusing) camera. He applied for a patent in June 1931 and was granted one in July 1932. This invention revolutionized the photography industry. Although Simjian didn’t receive significant financial compensation for his autofocusing invention, he gained substantial publicity. He eventually sold the rights to the PhotoReflex camera but reserved the technology for non-photographic applications.

The Color X-Ray Machine

Another notable invention by Luther Simjian was the color X-ray machine. In June 1934, he was granted a patent for this groundbreaking technology. Simjian applied the principles of television to X-ray images, scanning them in three separate colors and recombining them to form a colored image. This innovation transformed the field of X-ray technology.

Contributions During World War II: The Flight Simulator

During World War II, Luther Simjian invented a training apparatus for aviators, which was the first flight simulator of its kind. This device enabled pilots to identify aircraft, determine their speed and direction of movement, and simulate combat flying scenarios. Reflectone Corporation, founded by Simjian in 1939, sold over 2,000 of these devices to the U.S. military. Simjian considered it his most significant invention, as it saved numerous lives during the war.

Inventions Beyond Photography: The Teleprompter and the Bankograph

Simjian’s contributions to the field of invention extended beyond photography and aviation. He held a patent for the teleprompter, which he improved alongside Jess Oppenheimer, the creator and producer of the classic sitcom I Love Lucy. Simjian is also credited with inventing a precursor to the automated teller machine (ATM) called the Bankograph. This machine allowed customers to make financial transactions, and while it did not achieve significant success, it laid the foundation for future advancements in automated banking..

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Simjian received numerous accolades and awards for his inventions. He was recognized as the Inventor of the Month by Science Digest in June 1963 and was honored with the Eli Whitney Award by the Connecticut Patent Law Association in 1978. In 2019, Simjian was posthumously inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for his contributions to technology in Florida theme parks.

Pioneering Spirit and Lasting Influence

Luther Simjian’s life and career exemplify his pioneering spirit and passion for innovation. His inventions have shaped various industries and continue to impact our lives today. Despite his modest public recognition, Simjian’s legacy as an inventor and entrepreneur remains influential in the world of technology and beyond