Tag Archives: technology

Atari’s Pong is Released

November 29,1972

Pong, one of the earliest arcade video games, is released by Atari. The first prototype has been installed at Andy Capp’s Tavern, consistently earning four times more revenue than other coin-operated machines, around US$35–40 per day. Patrons come to the bar, lining up around the corner before opening, just to play Pong. Atari uses this prototype’s success to attract investment and begins to manufacture the game consoles, releasing the game on November 29, 1972. During the 1975 Christmas season, Atari releases a home version of Pong exclusively through Sears retail stores. The commercial success of Pong will revolutionize the arcade industry and launch the modern video game era.

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Windshield Wiper Patented

November 10, 1903

On November 3, 1903, the US Patent Office issues US Patent 743,801 to Mary May Anderson for a “window cleaning device” for electric cars and other vehicles which is operated via a lever from inside the vehicle. Her version of windshield wipers closely resembles the windshield wiper found on many early car models, but Anderson’s is the first to be effective.

Anderson invents the device after observing a trolly car windshield on a frosty day covered in sleet. She is granted a 17-year patent for a windshield wiper device but tries to sell the rights in 1905 to a noted Canadian firm. They reject her application saying, “We do not consider it to be of such commercial value as would warrant our undertaking its sale.” After the patent expires in 1920 and the automobile manufacturing business has grown exponentially, windshield wipers using Anderson’s basic design become standard equipment on every new automobile.

 

 

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