Question 473.a: Buckle up boys (and a few girls), or down.

ID what is being shown here, and where does it fit in
(be tactful in your answers, not tawdry please)

OR the purported inventor of the entire entity, who is also the patent holder
(got the raw end of the deal if you ask me
lol)

Theme Round's Back: Fortune Favours the Brave.

There.
We're back with it, to start the new year.
The usual.
Seven Questions.
Common Theme.
Crack it.
Earlier you attempt a crack at the theme, greater's your reward. Sadly, same goes with the risk.
However, no negatives for the individual questions.

Any doubts about the scoring,
Check
Points System

We'll begin shortly.

-Nihar

The scores will be updated shortly
By Nihar
I've got my prelims going on now, so it'll be Nihar who'll be posting most of the questions.

Enjoy

-Pai