Did you know that 100 years ago three major inventions that would change they way we live, were invented and patented?
On August 12, 1877, Thomas Alva Edison invented the phonograph. Don’t know what a phonograph is? How about a record player? Tape player? CD player? Well all of those evolved from his original invention when he recorded sound on a sheet of tinfoil by embossing it with a vibrating stylus. Thomas Edison is also know for inventing the light bulb!
Edison’s first phonograph. 19th-century illustration of the first phonograph, devised in 1877 by US inventor Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931). Science Photo Library
Before that, on August 12, 1851, Isaac Merrit Singer patented his sewing machine and formed I.M. Singer & Company to market the product. Before that everything was sewn by hand.
Isaac Merrit Singer patented this first sewing machine.
And then, on August 11, 1942, actress American actress Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil received a patent for an electronic device they had invented that minimized the jamming of radio signals; it later became a component of satellite and cellular phone technology and wi-fi.
Actress Hedy Lamarr
So just think, without them, we couldn’t listen to music, buy ready made inexpensive clothing (or make our own) and talk to friends on cell phone and, in some cases, watch television!
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