Pager

Enhanced productivity and reduced risk for high-risk decisions (most early users were physicians and technicians).

Pagers predated mobile phones, unlimited email Blackberry’s, and smartphones as an always-connected solution. Early pagers merely sent a phone number for the recipient to call.

Pagers enhanced productivity and reduced risk for high-risk decisions. Most early users were physicians and technicians.

Alfred Gross invented the pager for use in hospitals with limited range. Eventually, usage spread and evolved into pagers with unlimited range.

Gross’ patents expired before the innovation was widespread and he never significantly profited.

Gross also invented the walkie-talkie, citizens band (CB) radio, and wireless telephone. However, his patents expired before the products were commercialized. Neither his innovations nor patents made him much money but he did win a long list of prestigious awards.