need to add title here

Birdman

August 30, 2009 4:51 PM

Forrest Bird's invention, the respirator, has saved millions and, at age 88, he's still living his life to the fullest, flying his planes and working long days. Morley Safer reports.

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by johnnyboii03 September 4, 2009 12:56 PM EDT
wow hes rich
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by rmichelson01 September 3, 2009 5:44 AM EDT
I loved the Birdman segment! There is another American story that may be of interest. Mario F. Fernandez is truly a Renaissance man - an emigrant from Cuba he spent 2 yrs. in solitary confinement under Castro. Since arriving here he has: designed the joystick on the Lunar Landing Module; designed a pump for a heart/lung machine that, according to 3M, has saved thousands of lives; was involved in the early development of microwave ovens; been at the top of the art world as a painter and sculpter, his works being owned by the likes of Colin Powell, Ross Perot and the King of Spain to name a very few. Today he is still creating constantly and has inventions such as; a new twist on a tankless hot water heater; a unique hair extension device for salons; and others in various stages of development. He is just in the process of reintroducing himself to the art market with several new paintings. His art and some biographical information can be seen at www.mariofernandez.com. The man is absolutely fascinating and loves our country as demonstrated by his many patriotic works of art.

It would make another great story for Morley.
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by cabaraoke September 1, 2009 8:42 PM EDT
Eleven years ago I was in a coma and on a ventilator for six weeks, due to an infection of mt heart. A year ago, I got COČ poisoning, and was on a ventilator again for eight weeks, some of it while awake. I now live in a nursing home where half the residents are long term on ventilators. In one case, an older woman's whole life is limited to the reach of the hose. Consider compacting grandma home into a eight feet by eight feet. She has her knickknacks, sewing, picture of her grandkids, all within reach of that hose. She cannot go out, or even leave her room, which she shares, to go to the dining room. No shopping, have lunch out, seeing a movie, or even the open sky.

The ventilator saved my life, twice. But, for others, it can be a trap as bad as solitary confinement in jail.
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by byrdsnews September 1, 2009 9:52 AM EDT
Thank you 60 Minutes for bringing us this story. Just a week ago a new Byrd came into the world - 10 weeks too early. It is because of Forest's invention that we still have our grandson with us.

I'd have added a picture of Nicolaas Baruc Tobias Gonzales-Byrd but this comment section doesn't work that way.

Thank you Dr. Bird.
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by johngreeno August 31, 2009 10:41 PM EDT
my kind of guy...reminds me of my Uncle Tom
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by Tina812 August 31, 2009 10:57 AM EDT
What a wonderful story about a wonderful man... How inspiring.. I currently work in a public school library in MD and am committed to finding a biography on Mr. Bird to put in our collection for the children.
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by drcoop95 August 31, 2009 12:33 AM EDT
Enjoyed the story, however, an previous patient of mine told me he had invented the Bird respirator. His name was Henry Pohndorf. I was able to find a few newspaper archives reporting information to this effect. Apparently there was some conflict between the two inventors. Henry ought to get some credit. Here are some links to the articles.

http://www.planetpatent.com/Patents/US3191596.pdf

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19790304&id=58kRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8O0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3556,2679048

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19890514&id=bCcSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wu8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=1197,1982828
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by wilcs18 August 31, 2009 12:05 AM EDT
What a great story.

LOVE the glass the Birdman wears in almost every scene. HE WEARS FLIPSHADES 24/7! He clearly is a character and that is just a little nuance that makes him even more lovable.

I hope my life will be half as full as his.
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by GEORGE2MJ August 30, 2009 10:35 PM EDT
I just watched Forrest Bird. I have emphysema and am 68 (till next month) I have been trying to get a portable oxygen concentrator or some kind of respirator, so I can travel. My insurance will not pay for one and I can not afford one. My question is: Would Mr. Bird know where there is a place that sell used one? I still want to LIVE and be mobile again. I have basically been house bound for almost a year. I wanted to fly to Texas but once there My insurance can not get oxygen delivered to me out of state!
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by mabel1don August 30, 2009 10:20 PM EDT
My husband has pulmonary Hypertenion, Would the bird machine help him? Please answer. Thanks. Mabel Sysel Denton Ne.
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by carolrex1 August 30, 2009 9:35 PM EDT
I want to say thank you to 60 Minutes for introducing the to the man who is responsible for saving my life.... more than once. I am a severe asthmatic. As a child I was rushed to ER many times and each time was given breathing treatments on a Birdie machine. Back in the 70's and 80's the bronchodialators that we have today were not available and this machine could provide the much needed medications. My family purchased a used machine that went everywhere with us until I was about 17 years old. I KNOW this machine changed and saved my life. I am 43 years old now and have a very happy and productive life. Thank you to Mr. Bird for helping me be here.

Carol Maney Rexrode
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by pedemel August 30, 2009 9:15 PM EDT
Thank you for your wonderful story of Dr.Bird. I used the Mark 7 on hundreds of adults and children with asthma and emphysema. I also used the Baby Bird on hundreds of premature newborns. The biggest advantage of the Mark 7 was that it didn't need electricity to operate - I would roll it from room to room and just plug it in to 50 psi of oxygen. It was/is totally operated using pressurized oxygen and magnets to adjust sensitivity. Dr. Birds' devices are one of a kind, and after watching your show I know that Dr. Bird is one of a kind. Thank you very much for all of your fine shows over the years.
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by mitwo August 30, 2009 9:07 PM EDT
America's Finest! God Bless, Dr Bird.
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by dijepa August 30, 2009 8:25 PM EDT
loved the Birdman video!
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