Jet Engine
Frank Whittle, Britain, patent of 1932. The gas turbine that shrank the planet.
Overview
RAF officer Whittle patented the turbojet in 1930, granted 1932, too poor to renew the critical years. Ohain in Germany flew independently in 1939, Whittle's engine flew 1941. Gloster Meteors met V-1s in 1944. Postwar, the 1952 Comet opened jet passenger travel despite its square-window tragedies. Whittle was knighted and later a US professor, his company nationalized for a pittance. Every departure board today is his patent's timetable.
Related Patents
Steamboat
Fulton's North River Steamboat, the Clermont, ran New York to Albany in 1807 under a New York state monopoly from his patent right...
Steam Locomotive
Stephenson patented improved rails and locomotive designs while building Killingworth colliery engines, then the 1825 Stockton and...
Otis Elevator Safety Brake
Otis demonstrated his safety brake dramatically at the 1853 Crystal Palace, cutting the hoist rope above a crowd. The patent's too...
Safety Bicycle
Starley's RoverSafety standardized the diamond frame, equal-sized wheels, and rear chain drive, replacing the dangerous penny-fart...