Super Soaker Patent and Water Weapon Commercialization
Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker water gun, which became one of the top-selling toys in the United States during the 1990s and generated billions in retail revenue. His foundational patent for the pressurized water reservoir system underpinned the product line that dominated toy store shelves for years, as noted by Forbes.
The Super Soaker patent portfolio includes multiple utility and design filings that protected the core mechanism and later variations of the product. Licensing deals with major toy manufacturers turned the invention into a high-margin consumer brand, and the patent portfolio helped Johnson establish himself as a prolific independent inventor with global commercial reach.
Energy Conversion Patents and Johnson Energy Research
Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converter
Johnson developed a solid-state energy conversion device based on the Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converter, which aims to convert heat directly into electricity with no moving parts. The technology targets waste-heat recovery and has been discussed in the context of improving efficiency for industrial systems and potential spacecraft power applications, according to NASA research profiles.
Patents associated with this converter describe configurations of electrodes, electrolyte materials, and nanostructured barriers designed to enhance the Seebeck effect at practical temperature differences. Johnson Energy Research, the company he founded to advance these inventions, continues to pursue licensing and development partnerships in the energy sector.
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Systems Patents
High-Pressure Pump and Hydraulic Drive Systems
Lonnie Johnson holds patents covering high-pressure pump designs and hydraulic drive systems that improve efficiency and durability in fluid machinery. These inventions draw on his background in aerospace engineering and systems integration, with applications ranging from industrial equipment to advanced propulsion concepts.
The fluid mechanics patents describe methods for reducing cavitation, improving flow dynamics, and increasing power density in compact pump assemblies. Such innovations align with broader industry trends toward electrification and higher-performance hydraulic systems, and they form part of Johnson's portfolio of engineering solutions licensed through his companies.