Edisonite

Named by William E. Hidden in 1888 in honor of Thomas Alva Edison [February 11, 1847 Milan, Ohio - October 18, 1931 West Orange, New Jersey, USA]. Edison was one of the most important inventors in world history. He and his staff, at the General Electric Company, were responsible for nearly 1100 inventions or significant improvements to existing inventions including machine components: the electric light bulb and fixture, motion pictures, the phonograph and methods of duplicating phonograph records, major advancements to telegraphy including the telegraphic printer and a print wheel for printing telegraphic messages and many support devices, papers, and chemicals for telegraphic processes, improved electromagnets, magnetic ore separators, advances in chemical extraction of gold ores, methods of ore grinding, screening, bricking, and peletization, sprocket chain drives and conveying of mined ores, the electric voting recorder, improved voltaic and galvanic batteries and their chargers, the alkaline battery, alternating electric current generator, governor for electric motors and numerous components used in electric motors, electric railroads, stencil pen, improved telephones, electromagnetic brake, methods for metallic plating, preserving fruit, rubber extraction from plants, improved vacuum apparatus, electric meter including the webermeter for measuring electric fields, electrical conductors, systems for electrical distribution, improved valve gears, improved electric-arc lights, drawing cable cars on inclines, waterproof paint, advances in making portland cement, gas purifiers and dryers, improved swaging machines, and electric cars.