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Greatest Inventions?

Discussion in 'The Members Lounge' started by Zhukov_2005, Aug 8, 2005.

  1. Ricky

    Ricky Well-Known Member

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    Ford developed & refined previous techniques (mostly those used at the Springfield armoury, IIRC) to produce the first true assembly line.
     
  2. FNG phpbb3

    FNG phpbb3 New Member

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    Nooo, as I said the RN invented production lines and mass mechanical production way before the american civil war and before Ford was a glint in the milkmans eye

    FNG
     
  3. Grieg

    Grieg New Member

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    Turning out wooden blocks can scarcely be compared in scope and complexity to building automobiles by the millions.

    ps.. I haven't been able to find a source for the RN production lines you refer to, would you have one handy?
     
  4. FNG phpbb3

    FNG phpbb3 New Member

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  5. Stonewall phpbb3

    Stonewall phpbb3 New Member

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    as usual?

    first- this story is known

    The scope is different, buildings and buildings from raw steel and rubber- to finished product..

    Second, go back through this list and find other 'instances'

    Mr Edison is waiting to hear from you..
     
  6. Grieg

    Grieg New Member

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    FNG wrote:
    Thanks for the interesting link. I learned something new ;)

    Note however the reasons in the article as to why it didn't catch on in England. It wasn't better marketing and publicity by the US but the recognition of how best the innovation could actually be exploited and developed combined with a society not fettered by outmoded class distinctions and labor unrest (somethings never change it seems)
    There is no doubt also that the assembly line that turned out automobiles with parts suppliers and assemblers cordinating an extremely complex process was a quantum leap ahead of a wooden block asssembly line.



     
  7. FNG phpbb3

    FNG phpbb3 New Member

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    but by your own comments the Ford lines where a quantum leap from the Springfield armoury yet the principals were the same. Modern car manufatoring has little in common with the Ford line yet they share the same development line.

    It's like saying the first computer was a dual P4 as it has nothing in common with collosus. Another invention we failed to do anything with by the way.

    The fact is a product was being made by dedicated machines and unskilled opperators (unskilled as in not craftsmen like carpentors etc) on a production line where individual components were mass produced and then put togethor to make identical finished products. I see no difference in the concept from a block pulley to a Plasma TV set.

    FNG
     
  8. Grieg

    Grieg New Member

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    FNG wrote:

    No. I didn't mention the Springfield Armory at all in my comments as I wasn't sufficiently familar with their production facility to comment upon it.

    I did state this:

    and learning of the Portsmouth block building process hasn't changed my opinion in that respect.

    Babbages's difference engine, while remarkable, bears little resemblance to a modern digital computer in design and capability.
    One can claim that the Lexus is just an improvement upon the ox cart as well..but it's kinda silly to compare the two.
     
  9. Ricky

    Ricky Well-Known Member

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    My Moderator Indoctrination overcomes my Nationalism here ;) -
    Please note that ths kind of comment is not entirely suitable, as it can easily be seen as rather xenophobic and offensive.

    The lightbulb.
    Sir Joseph Swann (British) invented the first lightbulb.
    Edison invented the first commercially successful lightbulb, as he used a metal filament which did not burn out as fast as those that Swann used. :D

    http://inventors.about.com/library/inve ... light2.htm
     
  10. FNG phpbb3

    FNG phpbb3 New Member

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    Sorry wasn't meant to be a dig at the US about the marketing.

    It's a comment about the poor skills of the brits that some of our best inventions are globally marketed and made succesful by US firms. Which is actually a complement to their forward thinking and investment skills.

    Not a dig to say they are stolen or anything, sorry if anyone is offended.

    FNG
     
  11. JCalhoun

    JCalhoun New Member

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    I think I remember something about the fella who invented that folding work bench. He (I believe is a Brit) couldn't get anybody in the UK interested in his table. He made a "last hope" visit to Black & Decker and they loved it. Now there are thousands of these benches around.
     
  12. Che_Guevara

    Che_Guevara New Member

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    The Internet ;)

    Regards,
    Che.
     
  13. Stix

    Stix New Member

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    My vote goes to games (any type)
     
  14. Canadian_Super_Patriot

    Canadian_Super_Patriot recruit

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    I can name a convienant invention, .... toilet paper. Gone are the days of using your hand , and having to shake with your foreharm. :lol:
     
  15. Stix

    Stix New Member

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    As long as were on that train; imagine how life must have been before pavement :D
     
  16. Roel

    Roel New Member

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    Writing.

    I simply can't believe analphabetism is still around in Western countries. How do they survive?
     
  17. Canadian_Super_Patriot

    Canadian_Super_Patriot recruit

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    analpa.. wha ?
     
  18. Mutant Poodle

    Mutant Poodle New Member

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    The ability to write, because, I can choose the better beer.

    I Am Canadian, you were expecting someone else? ;)
     
  19. Stix

    Stix New Member

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    Humor!, not really an invention, but without doubt one of the best things humans have come up with.
     
  20. Roel

    Roel New Member

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    It's not the existence of it, it's the distribution that's causing trouble! ;)
     

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