Tuesday, February 24, 2009

William Otis

Long time ago, 170 years to the day, another Otis named William did something noteworthy.....

On this day in 1839, William Otis got the first a patent for the steam shovel. Before that time there were cranes and other leverage devices used for lifting but the steam power permitted the application of focused power. Focus of mechanical power creates efficiencies. The use of these mechanized engines are evident all over the world in mammoth public works such as dams, bridges and canals.

William Otis described his invention as "the Crane-dredge for excavation and earth removals".

Ever see the name Otis on an elevator or escalator? We have those at the courtesy of William's cousin Elishu Otis.

Perhaps the new government could develop a parallel to the steam shovel, that for moving wealth to consumption (waste) more efficiently.

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