Wilbur R. Franks

Dr. Wilbur Rounding Franks (March 1, 1901-January 4, 1986) was a scientist.

Related Topics:
March 1 - 1901 - January 4 - 1986

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Wilbur Rounding Franks was born in Weston, Ontario, Canada on March 1, 1901. He was a medical graduate at the University of Toronto.

Related Topics:
Weston, Ontario - Canada - University of Toronto

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As a cancer researcher at the Banting and Best Medical Research Institute at University of Toronto, Franks developed an idea that resulted in the world's first anti-gravity suit. Franks had noted in his cancer research that his test tubes often broke when subjected to severe centrifugal force. He had solved the problem by first inserting them in larger and stronger liquid-filled bottles.

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In 1940, the anti gravity suit was first invented under the name Franks Flying Suit by Wilbur R. Franks and his colleagues at the Banting and Best Medical Research Institute at the University of Toronto. The suit was made with rubber and water-filled pads. It counteracted the effects of high G forces on aircraft pilots, which otherwise would cause them to black out; Franks Flying Suit was the first G-suit. These suits were used during World War II and led to the development of space suits for astronauts.

Related Topics:
University of Toronto - G-suit

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Wilbur Rounding Franks passed away on January 4, 1986 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is a Wilbur R. Franks Award that is handed out from the Canadian Society of Aviation Medicine for contributions to aviation medicine.

Related Topics:
January 4 - 1986 - Toronto - Ontario - Canada

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