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Although a relatively simple device, the flashlight was not invented until the late 19th century, because it depended upon the earlier invention of the electric battery (1800) and incandescent light bulb (1879). On 10 January 1899, American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company obtained U.S. Patent No. 617,592 (filed 12 March 1898) from David Misell, an inventor. This "electric device" designed by Misell was powered by "D" batteries laid front to back in a paper tube with the light bulb and a rough brass reflector at the end. The New Yorker magazine reported in 1947 that Joshua Lionel Cowen, of Lionel toy-train fame, invented the flashlight. The magazine article says that it was a slender battery in a metal tube. On one end of the tube there was a light bulb and the other end had an on-off switch. He used these "flash lights" to illuminate potted flowers. Frustrated by unresolved mechanical problems in getting them to light properly, Cowen sold the invention to Hubert, who then distributed the electrified flowerpots as novelties through his store. The novelty company owned by Conrad Hubert donated some of the tubular models (Misell's patent) to the New York City police, who responded favorably to them. Hubet ultimately turned this into the Eveready flashlight, which built a $6,000,000 fortune. These early flashlights ran on zinc--carbon batteries, which were incapable of providing a steady source of electric current, and needed to be 'rested' periodically to continue functioning. Because these early flashlights also used energy-inefficient carbon-filament bulbs, this occurred at short intervals; consequently they could be used only in brief flashes, hence the popular name flashlight.
Misell's Patent 617,592
1899 Eveready flashlight
A high power torch
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Who invented the flashlight?
It was invented by Conrad Hubert in 1902.
Where did conrad hubert invent the flashlight?
Conrad Hubert invented the flashlight in USA.
When where flashlights invented?
The flashlight was invented in 1898 by Conrad Hubert.
When was the flashlight invented?
in inventins flashlights
Why was the Flashlight Invented?
To find a better alternative for lanterns
Who invented the flashlight?
It was invented by Conrad Hubert in 1902.
Where did conrad hubert invent the flashlight?
Conrad Hubert invented the flashlight in USA.
Where was the flashlight invented?
in new amsterdam
When was the flashlight invented?
in inventins flashlights
When where flashlights invented?
The flashlight was invented in 1898 by Conrad Hubert.
When was the fail-safe flashlight invented?
you could use the right flashlight when you know if its features accommodate your request.
Conrad hubert who is he?
he invented the flashlight and the cigirate lighter
Why was the Flashlight Invented?
To find a better alternative for lanterns
Where was the first flashlight made?
In US, first flashlight was made. Conrad Hubert (aka Akiba Horowitz) invented it in 1902.
When was the wind up flashlight invented?
The idea of a wind up flashlight came from the 1959 movie, journey to the center of the earth.
Who invented electric torch?
The first flashlight was invented by David Missel,originally from British but lived in the US. He invented it in 1898.
How long did it take conrad hubert to invent the first flashlight?
Conrad Hubert invented the first flashlight from a shining flowerpot on 1938.
