Nationality American | ||
Occupation Inventor, businessman, philanthropist Known for Excessive Temperature Warning Device patent | ||
William S. Lerner is an American inventor, businessman, and philanthropist. He holds 14 patents in the consumer sector which vary from fiber optics to strollers, and has pioneered significant safety contributions to burn-prevention technology. Lerner is also a major supporter of numerous charities, including Cabrini Ministries. He is also the president of Baz Persaud, Inc.
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Early life
Lerner was raised in the suburbs of New York City and began inventing as a young child. His first designs included a dome umbrella (which was later manufactured), and a wiperless windshield that would use high-speed fans to blow rain off the glass.
Lerner’s family owned hotels, real estate, and an oil/coal distribution company dating back to 1934. At one point his family was the largest privately held coal wholesaler and retailer in New York State, serving all of New York City, its outer boroughs, schools and municipal buildings with oil and coal.
Lerner is a luxury watch collector and enthusiast, regularly contributing to horological publications.
Inventions
As an inventor, Lerner is best known for his Excessive Temperature Warning Device patent. After seeing the trauma that children can suffer from gas fireplace burns, he created an alert system designed to flash when the fireplace glass is at a hazardous temperature. He continues to work with various manufacturers to realize his goal of reducing or eliminating pediatric burns due to gas fireplaces.
He patented and commercialized (sold to a manufacturer) the “Automatically Rocking Stroller.”
Philanthropy
He also supports over 20 charities, ranging from The Promise Project to The Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Lerner has visited the Cabrini Ministries mission in Swaziland. After spending 10 days helping care for children and orphans stricken with HIV, AIDS, and TB, a commitment to serving the needs of children became part of his life.