Carl H. (C. Harry) Knowles
Metrologic Instruments Inc., Blackwood
C. Harry Knowles has played a leadership role in laser technology and developed the first laser bar code scanner, commonly found today in supermarkets and other stores.

Metrologic, the company Knowles founded in 1968, has been recognized as both a pioneer in laser technology and a leader in bar code scanning. Its early success came with the manufacture of low-power lasers, kits and accessories for the classroom.

Since then, developing and manufacturing laser bar code scanning equipment has become the primary business of the company. Traditionally, the company's bar code scanners have been used in high volume retail stores. Today, the company is developing products for scanning applications in new markets such as banking, health services, transportation and manufacturing. Its European headquarters is located in Munich, Germany.

Knowles, who formerly worked for Westinghouse and Bell Telephone Labs, has over 20 patents ranging from semiconductors through lasers and bar code scanning.