The inventor of the microwave appliance only received 2 for his discovery

The Inventor of the Microwave Appliance Only Received $2 for His Discovery

Introduction

The microwave oven is a vital part of modern kitchens, making our lives easier and our meals faster to prepare. It has become a staple appliance worldwide, revolutionizing the way we cook and heat our food. However, the surprising fact remains that the inventor of the microwave appliance, Percy Spencer, only received a mere $2 for his groundbreaking discovery. This article delves into the story of Percy Spencer, his invention, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his compensation.

The Inventor - Percy Spencer

Percy Spencer was an American engineer and inventor. Born in Howland, Maine, in 1894, he was orphaned at an early age and had limited formal education. Despite these obstacles, Spencer showed remarkable talent and developed a keen interest in electronics. He went on to become one of the most influential inventors of his time.

The Invention of the Microwave Oven

In 1945, during World War II, Spencer was working for the Raytheon Corporation, a company heavily involved in defense and electronics. While conducting experiments with a new type of vacuum tube called a magnetron, he noticed something peculiar. A chocolate bar in his pocket had melted, and he realized the intense heat was caused by the energy emitted from the magnetron.

This observation prompted Spencer’s curiosity, and he began experimenting further. He directed the energy emitted by the magnetron towards various objects, including popcorn kernels and eggs. To his amazement, the popcorn popped and the eggs exploded. These experiments proved that microwave energy could cook and heat food rapidly.

Raytheon’s Patent and Compensation

Excited by his discovery, Spencer and Raytheon filed for a US patent titled “Method of Treating Foodstuffs” in October 1945. The patent was granted in 1950, and Spencer’s invention, the microwave oven, began attracting attention across the nation.

However, Raytheon was more interested in commercializing the microwave oven than fairly compensating its inventor. In 1947, Spencer sold the patent to Raytheon for only $2, reportedly without fully comprehending the immense potential of his creation.

Impact and Developments

Raytheon, with Spencer’s invention and patent in their possession, continued to explore and improve the microwave oven. In 1947, the company introduced the first commercially available microwave oven, which stood almost six feet tall and weighed nearly 750 pounds. These early models were expensive and considered luxury items.

As time passed, advancements in technology reduced the size and cost of microwave ovens, making them accessible to households worldwide. By the 1960s, microwaves became more popular, and their convenience and time-saving abilities revolutionized cooking habits. Today, they are a ubiquitous appliance found in almost every kitchen.

Conclusion

The remarkable story of Percy Spencer and his invention of the microwave oven is a testament to human ingenuity and the impact of accidental discoveries. Despite receiving only $2 for his groundbreaking invention, Spencer’s legacy lives on in every home equipped with a microwave oven. His invention continues to simplify our lives, providing convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.