robert w. "bob" gore (born april 15, 1937) is an american engineer and scientist, inventor and businessman. gore has led his family's company, w. l. gore & associates, in developing applications of polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe) ranging from computer cables to medical equipment to the outer layer of space suits. his most significant breakthrough is likely the invention of gore-tex, a waterproof/breathable fabric popularly known for its use in sporting and outdoor gear.