GE
A number of GE innovations helped us see our world differently, from the first fluorescent lamp and "invisible glass" to the first television network, and radar which let us "see" twenty miles away, even at night! More GE firsts in aviation brought us the turboprop, autopilot, and the first U.S. jet engine, while Howard Hughes set the record for transcontinental flight with an engine powered by GE.
Continuing the GE tradition of quality-of-life improvements for the home, the first household electric food waste disposer, the "Disposall," is introduced by GE.
GE brings us the night game and people who work can finally get to see their team play during the week. The first major league night baseball game is played at Crosley Field, Cincinnati, Ohio under GE Lighting Novalux lamps. The Cincinnati Reds defeat the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 2-1.
The age of modern conveniences is in full swing with a series of new small appliances for the kitchen including: the Juice-o-Mat (pictured to the left), the "A-la-carte" table cooker, the Portable Mixer, the Hotpoint automatic roaster, and the Dorchester coffeemaker.
From flying higher to flying faster, the innovations of GE's Sanford Moss continue their legacy as Howard Hughes sets a transcontinental air record of 7 hours, 28 minutes, 25 seconds, flying an airplane that uses a GE supercharger.
GE invents the fluorescent lamp. This is the first practical low-pressure discharge lamp to provide white light and continues GE's tradition of advances in lighting technology and design.
Known widely as the woman who invented "invisible glass," Katharine Burr Blodgett was the first woman scientist to join the GE Research Laboratory. Her invention of non-reflecting, "invisible" glass became the prototype of coatings used today on virtually all camera lenses and optical devices.
GE starts the silicones business by inventing new silicone chemistry. Silicones are used in everything from dry-cleaning and electronics component protection to industrial sealants and the building of aquariums.
GE's television station WRGB in Schenectady, NY becomes the first to relay television broadcasts from New York City. This relay marks the formation of the first television network.
In less than one year, GE builds the United States' first jet engine, the I-A.
GE engineers successfully demonstrate the world's first turboprop. Based on a design by Sir Frank Whittle, the 1250-pound-thrust I-A engine effectively launches America into the jet age. Powered by two GE I-A turbojet engines, the Bell XP-59 Airacomet became the first successful American jet aircraft in 1942.
GE engineers develop automatic pilot, a device that keeps an aircraft on a continuous predetermined course.
GE demonstrates the first commercial use of radar, allowing vessels to navigate through darkness and unseen hazards as far as 20 miles away.