Dr. Patricia E. Bath
(1949–) 

As an aerospace engineer, Lonnie G. Johnson spends most of his time inventing mechanical and electrical systems for NASA rockets, but he’s best known for another creation: the world famous Super Soaker water gun, which has generated more than $200 million in sales. But it hasn’t been all fun and games for Johnson, who has earned more than 40 patents both for his work with NASA and through his own company, Johnson Research & Development.

For more information on black inventors, visit the Encyclopedia Britannica’s guide to black history at http://www.britannica.com/Blackhistory.

Get more quick facts about black historical figures including Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson.