John Roger Tooley
John Roger Tooley (October 31, 1935 – August 7, 1995) was an American engineer, researcher, and academic administrator. He served as dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Evansville[1] and previously worked as an engineer at Texas Instruments, where he conducted research in digital communications, coding, and dependable computing and was named as an inventor on U.S. patents.
Early life and education
John Roger Tooley was born on October 31, 1935, in Antigo, Wisconsin. He earned a Master of Science degree in physics from the University of Chicago in 1959. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado in 1969.
Industrial career
During the 1960s and 1970s, Tooley worked in industry as an engineer, including employment with Texas Instruments. His work addressed high-reliability digital communications and computing systems, with emphasis on synchronous transmission, multiplexing, coding, error detection and correction, and system reliability—capabilities central to aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical systems of the period.
His technical work occurred during a period when high-reliability digital communications and computing systems were being developed for large-scale scientific and aerospace applications. Systems based on synchronous telemetry, multiplexed data frames, coding for reliability, and robust error control were used in programs such as the Voyager deep-space missions and in high-performance computing architectures, including early supercomputer systems such as the ASC program. Tooley’s research addressed foundational problems in these areas, contributing to the broader technical base that supported such systems.
Academic career and leadership
After his industrial career, Tooley transitioned to academia and joined the University of Evansville, where he rose to become dean of the School of Engineering.[2] In this role, he led faculty development, curriculum design, accreditation activities, and program growth, and supported science outreach and pre-college engineering education initiatives in the region.
Research, publications, and patents
Tooley conducted research in information theory, digital communications, coding, semiconductor systems, and computer reliability. His work on synchronous duplex communications, coding for reliability, and non-repairable systems addressed fundamental problems in dependable data transmission.
Publications (selected)
- Tooley, J. R. “Thresholding and microminiaturization with semiconductors.” In Principles of Self-Organization. Pergamon Press, 1962.[3]
- Tooley, J. R. “Reliability in non-repairable KMC digital computers.” Proceedings of the AIEE Winter General Meeting, Paper S-136, January 1962.[4]
- Tooley, J. R. “Network coding for reliability.” Transactions of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Part I: Communication and Electronics, 1963.[5]
- Roberts, R.; Tooley, J. “Estimation with finite memory.” IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 16 (6): 685–691, 1970.[6]
- Tooley, J. R.; Roberts, R. “On estimation and processes with finite memory.” IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 15: 292–299, 1970.[7]
Patent
- US 3979719, John R. Tooley, "Multiple block binary synchronous duplex communications system with time and message multiplexing and error correction", assigned to Texas Instruments Inc.
Influence
U.S. Patent 3,979,719 has been cited by numerous later patent filings in the fields of digital communications, error control, and data transmission, reflecting its relevance to subsequent developments in reliable and high-performance communication systems.[8]
Personal life and death
Tooley resided in Evansville, Indiana, during his later years. He died on August 7, 1995, in Evansville at the age of 59. A memorial service was held at the University of Evansville.
Legacy and honors
Tooley’s legacy includes contributions to reliable computing, coding and digital communications, and engineering education. In his honor, the John R. Tooley SAE Engineering Scholarship was established at the University of Evansville in association with the Society of Automotive Engineers. He was the father of Craig R. Tooley, a NASA engineer and project manager.
See also
References
- ↑ The Higher Education Amendments of 1986: Hearings before the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives (PDF) (Report). ERIC (U.S. Department of Education). ED286425.
- ↑ The Higher Education Amendments of 1986: Hearings before the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives (PDF) (Report). ERIC (U.S. Department of Education). ED286425.
- ↑ Tooley, J. R. (1962). "Thresholding and Microminiaturization with Semiconductors". Principles of Self-Organization. Pergamon Press. Search this book on
- ↑ Tooley, John R. (1962-01). "Reliability in Non-Repairable KMC Digital Computers". Proceedings of the AIEE Winter General Meeting. American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Paper S-136. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ Tooley, John R. (1963). "Network coding for reliability". Transactions of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Part I: Communication and Electronics.
- ↑ Roberts, R.; Tooley, J. (1970). "Estimation with finite memory". IEEE Transactions on Information Theory. 16 (6): 685–691. doi:10.1109/TIT.1970.1054536.
- ↑ Tooley, John R.; Roberts, R. (1970). "On estimation and processes with finite memory". IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control. 15: 292–299.
- ↑ "US3979719A – Cited by". Google Patents.
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