Here at Flex Technologies, we are proud to be on the cutting edge of innovation when it comes to our silicone hoses and tubes. But to invent nowadays is to stand on the shoulders of giants; we are always using and perfecting technologies of innovators before us. Otherwise, not only could we not create the quality silicone products our customers have grown accustomed to, but we wouldn't be able to offer custom options, like our integrated heat shields for custom radiator hoses. To celebrate all of the inventors that came before us and made our work possible, here are some of the best inventions of the 1900s.

Photocopier

The photocopier was invented by Chester Carlson in 1937. The photocopier uses electrophotography. Unfortunately for Carlson, his early inventions had a habit of catching fire. Luckily, he stuck through many failures until he was successful, and his invention changed the nature of the office from then on after.

Jet Engine

In 1937, the same year as the invention of the photocopier, the first jet engine was built. This was due in large part to Frank Whittle, who used his patents for a two-stage axial compressor that fed into a single, one sided centrifugal compressor to bring his invention to fruition. Unfortunately, while the engine was a success, it terrified Whittle's team when it refused to turn off even after the fuel switch was disengaged on its first test run. This was due to a fuel leak. While the experiment was a success, the government showed little interest in it, and so development was halted.

Orgone Accumulator

While Doctor Wilhelm Reich's 1940 invention, the orgone accumulator, likely amounted to nothing more than hogwash according to modern scientific consensus, it does mark the last time the American government partook in the practice of book burning to silence critics. After Wilhelm started promoting his new invention, the government came in, destroyed all of his orgone accumulators, burned his work, and banned them from print (a ban which lasted for about 10 years, and continued even longer for some of his works). Reich was put in prison for his research, where he died of heart complications months later.

Synthetic Rubber

In 1940, synthetic rubber was invented and first brought to creation by Russian researchers. With the advent of the bicycle and the automobile, the world was seeing an ever increasing demand for rubber, but a dwindling supply. With the invention of synthetic rubber, these needs could suddenly be met. Without synthetic rubber, the world of transportation would likely look completely different today.

Microwave

Some inventions are less necessary, and are more about convenience. The microwave is one such invention; it was made in 1946 by inventor Percy Spencer. He stumbled on the technology while working with radar technology, which he found produces thermal energy through dielectric heating.

Credit Cards

First coming into use in the 1920s, modern credit cards are 'credited' as an invention of Ralph Schneider. The first credit card was a Diner's Club Card. The Diner's Club, founded by Frank McNamara, offered its credit card as a way to pay off restaurant bills. Anywhere the Diner's Club card was accepted, the credit card would be used. The Diner's Club would pick up the bill for the meal, which the person would then reimburse at a later date. And thus, the modern credit card industry was born!

Hopefully these fun invention facts proved interesting! Here at Flex Technologies, we are proud to be on the cutting edge of innovation with all of our silicone products. Not only is the quality of our silicone hoses and tubes ensured, but we offer custom options as well, like an integrated heat shield for custom radiator hoses. We have silicone hoses and tubes for a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, marine, and agriculture. For more information, please do not hesitate to give us a call at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!