The 2N2222, often referred to as the 'quad two' transistor, is a small, common NPN BJT transistor used for general purpose low-power amplifying or switching applications. Links to 2N2222 datasheets are provided below.
While at the Motorola Semiconductor Division in the late 1950s and early 1960s, John (Jack) Haenichen was the transistor device designer responsible for the development of the annular process, which provided the basis for the fabrication of a very successful line of silicon NPN and PNP transistors manufactured by Motorola. Building on this initial breakthrough, Jack further refined the transistor device design and process activities to include the STAR geometry. This pioneering work culminated with the introduction of the 2N2222 series of transistors by Motorola at the 1962 IRE Convention. Since the initial product launch, the 2N2222 has become the most widely used and universally recognized transistor of all time. Source: The Transistor Museum