US Company Innovations 4-28-25

Despite its many weaknesses, the best Engineers in US companies have developed innovations that triggered giant leaps in technology. 

Integrated Circuit

The integrated circuit, or microchip, was invented by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments on September 12, 1958, and he demonstrated the first working example that day. 

Here's a more detailed look at the invention:

·       Invention Date: Jack Kilby demonstrated the first working integrated circuit on September 12,1958. 

·       Kilby's Role: Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas Instruments, is credited with inventing the integrated circuit. 

·       Patent Application: Kilby applied for a patent on February 6, 1959. 

·       Impact: The integrated circuit revolutionized the electronics industry, enabling the creation of smaller, faster, and more powerful devices. 

·       Kilby's Motivation: Kilby's invention was driven by the need to miniaturize electronic components and create a more compact and efficient technology. 

·       Other Key Figures: Robert Noyce, also independently conceived the idea of a monolithic integrated circuit at Fairchild Semiconductor, and his patent application was filed around the same time. 

·       Nobel Prize: Kilby was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for his invention. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=integrated+circuit+invention+date

Prior to the development of the Integrated Circuit, computers were slow massive devices stuffed with Cathode Ray Tubes.

 

Catalytic Converter

The first production catalytic converter, developed by Carl D. Keith and John J. Mooney at Engelhard Corporation, was created in 1973. Widespread use of the part began around 1975, and federal law required catalytic converters for all gasoline-powered vehicles produced after 1974. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Early Development: The technology to scrub noxious gases from car exhausts has existed since the 1950s, with prototypes designed in France at the end of the 19th century. 

Clean Air Act of 1970: The Clean Air Act of 1970 pushed for industry reform and enforced environmental protections, leading to the development of catalytic converters. 

1973: First Production Catalytic Converter: Chemist Carl D. Keith and Mooney with their team at Engelhard came up with the first production catalytic converter in 1973. 

1974: Federal Law: Federal law requires catalytic converters for all gasoline-powered vehicles produced after 1974. 

1975: Widespread Use: Widespread use of the part began around 1975. 

Three-Way Catalytic Converters: The three-way catalyst developed by Keith and Mooney allowed all three exhaust pollutants (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides) to be remedied using a single catalyst bed. 

Evolution of Catalytic Converters: The design has evolved over the years, with the transition from the two-way design to the modern three-way converters in use today. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=catalytic+converter+invention+date

Prior to the development of the Catalytic Converter, Smog covered the US highways.

 

Computer Aided Design

60 years ago, the "Father of CAD," Dr. Patrick Hanratty created the first numerical control system, which would later become Computer Aided Design, or CAD. The precision, versatility, and adaptability of CAD designs revolutionized the engineering, architecture and manufacturing landscape. The importance of CAD cannot be overstated.

While the history of CAD closely parallels the history of the computer, there have been many innovations and iterations along the way. With its introduction in 1957, CAD was still decades ahead of the small and affordable computers that would make the software available to anyone. Pencil and paper would remain the primary way "draftsmen" created designs for another 30 years. But the groundwork was laid for things to come; CAD software would eventually become a fundamental tool for nearly every industry.

https://www.3dfindit.com/en/engiclopedia/60-years-of-cad-infographic-the-history-of-cad-since-1957

What is the history of computer-aided design?

The history of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) traces back to the early 1960s, with key figures like Patrick Hanratty and Ivan Sutherland laying the groundwork for interactive graphics and 3D modeling. Hanratty's DAC and Sutherland's Sketchpad were early systems that demonstrated the potential of computers in design, evolving into programs like ADAM and UNISURF, which paved the way for modern CAD software. 

Here's a more detailed look at the evolution of CAD:

Early Pioneers and Key Systems:

1957: Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty developed PRONTO, the first commercial numerical-control programming system. 

1960: Ivan Sutherland, at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, created SKETCHPAD, demonstrating the feasibility of computer technical drawing. 

1963:Patrick Hanratty developed DAC (Design Automated by Computer) while working for General Motors, which used intera ctive graphics and numerical control programming. 

1963: Ivan Sutherland's Sketchpad allowed users to draw geometric shapes directly onto a screen using a light pen. 

1966-1968: Pierre Bézier, at Renault, developed UNISURF, a pioneering surface 3D CAD/CAM system for automotive design and tooling. 

1971: Hanratty developed ADAM (Automated Drafting and Machinery), described as the "first commercially available integrated, interactive graphics design, drafting, and manufacturing system". 

Key Milestones and Advancements:

1970s: The rise of CAD/CAM systems, with programs like CATIA (a multi-platform suite for CAD, CAM, and computer-aided engineering) being introduced. 

1980s: The emergence of 3D modeling and designs, with programs like Romulus, Uni-Solid, and AutoCAD gaining traction. 

1981: IBM introduced its first affordable desktop computer, increasing access to technology and further impacting CAD/CAM systems. 

1983: Autodesk developed AutoCAD, a crucial computer-aided drafting program for IBM PC. 

1989: MAGI launched Syntha Vision, the first solid modeler software for commercial use. 

1990s: CAD expanded beyond engineering applications to architecture and other fields. 

2000s-Present: Continued development of CAD software, including the emergence of free and open-source options like LibreCAD and FreeCAD. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=computer+aided+design+history

Prior to the development of CAD, designs were hand drawn using drafting tables. Now CAD ports directly to Milling Machines to make 3-D parts. Coordinate Measuring Machines use laser scanning to inspect 3-D parts in seconds.

Comments

The US is more than ready to reshore modern manufacturing back to the US. We solved the “quality problems in the 1990s that allowed us to off-shore manufacturing. Automation and AI will increase “throughput” of products and this increase in productivity will lower prices and increase quality.

It was amazing to witness the development of these technological advances like the integrated circuit and catalytic converter. It was a blessing to have been involved with the development of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), CAD and 3D implementation.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader