New York, NY, October 19, 2009 – American Innovators for Patent Reform (AIPR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and defending American innovation, congratulates Dr. Forrest Bird, inventor of the respirator and other medical devices, on receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Established by Congress in 1980, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation recognizes individuals, teams and companies, according to the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation, “for extraordinary achievements that have shaped world cultures and economies and reflect America’s true spirit of innovation.”

“In order to receive a patent,” observes Dr. Alexander Poltorak, president and founder of American Innovators for Patent Reform, “an invention must be novel, non-obvious and useful. Few inventions are more ‘useful’ than the life-saving respirators and ventilators developed by Forrest Bird! These devices have saved untold thousands of lives.”

“Forrest Bird exemplifies what this organization means by the term ‘American innovators’ in its name,” adds Alex Poltorak. “Dr. Bird is an innovator in the best tradition of American innovation. The patents he’s received for his inventions have made possible the continued innovation that led to yet more life-saving inventions.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Forrest Bird and calling him a friend for many years,” says Lawrence Udell, Vice President of AIPR and Executive Director at Intellectual Property International, Ltd. “He spreads his enthusiasm and convictions on his belief in America as the Land of Opportunity in his many presentations across the world, and inspires inventors of all ages to pursue their dreams and create a better future for all.”

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is not the first major award for Forrest Bird. In 2008, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Bush. The Presidential Citizens Medal was established in 1969 and has only been presented to about 100 other Americans.