[NJARC] Hedy Lamarr

[NICHOLAS SENKER]

An article in yesterday's Newark Star Ledger about Hedy Lamarr (not to be confused with Hedley Lamar in 'Blazing Sadles') discribes the sultry beauty as not only a  great actress but also a 'brainy beauty'.  This is not an April Fool's joke!
To quote the article (p 29):
'in the early 40's Lamarr came up with the concept of frequency hopping. Her invention was 40 years ahead of its time. It was a secret communication system.  It was the first time wireless radio transmissions could be sent and received without being intercepted.  Her children stress how the wireless world uses frequency hopping today with PDAs, wireless phones, and Wi-Fi. Composer George Antheil implemented Lamarr's concept.  He and the Vienna born actress received a patent which they gave to the US government.'
Amazing!
Can someone explain frequency hopping?
Nick Senker